Ub3 







c 



/ -^^^ 



«5 -V 












,s -/, 



,0 O^ 



• 



'^ 



V'^' 






^^•, 



'^A s^' 



x^'^ ''^^ 



,0o^ 



V 



'5 0' 



^5 -^> 



'c 0" 






^^ 



"•> .O' 



fA >^^ 



x*-"^ ■'*. 



\<- 



"^A v^' 



^-^ V*' 



~.^' 



.<-^ 'cf. 



>• -<■ 






.0 o 



N' 



,^^^ ■% 



'^.. C^' 









%.^'^ 

^'^''% 






^°^ 



.*■ 






A' 



.■^■ 



^/■. .vV 



'"fA V^' 



'^^ o^ 



'./. v^- 



V 



w. 



/ 



\ 



ENaiMlKi: DErARTMEM, U. .S. All.MY. 



PRELIMINAPvY REPORT 



A EEC0NNAI8SANCE 



SOUTHERN AND SOUTH EASTEM NEVADA, 



M^DK IN 18 Gi), 



Fli;sr LIKUT. CKd. \l. U IIKKl.EK, Coiil-s of Km;ini;i:i,s. I'. S. Ai:my, 

ASSISTED BV 

riK.ST LIEIT. I>. W. l.oriCWUOD, t'oni's <u.- KNtiiNiCKits, U. S. Aijmv, 

IMUvK llli; oIlDKliS IJI' 



Brio, (ihiyr. K. O. C. O im , 

IIVI. MAI. OI:X. V. », AKMY, 
COMMASniXU liKrAUTMEXT UV lAl.lKOIlSlA. 



"' Wf.iW^'-' 



WA S II 1 X G T O N : 

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 

1875. 



.VS3 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



Page 

I^ctter of fniiisTiiillal 5 

(iriu'ial itiiuTiiiy ~ 

l)i-.sri'i|)ti<)ii of the rec-oiiiuiissiuice 'JS' 

Ijoiifjitndo lij- tclrjiliipli -iO 

Srxtiint iistroiioiiiical observations 35 

Iiiiliaiis 35 

Climate 37 

Miniiii; ilistiiets - 38 

Hei^lit iif riiiiiiiitain-iMii;; ■■< 38 

Siipei 10I liiiiii ii alrr ml" ■ (' \ . ;;« tar inn 3 J 

Afjii. Ill i.iai la. . ^ 3!t 

I'liitile ot loadis "ll 

Towns and settlements 43 

Oilometer nieasnre nts 47 

Meteonilojsical observations 5" 

Minerals •'''^ 

K'lvers, ereeks, and springs 53 

Ci>li>iado Iviver 55 

Navifjation of the Colorado ^C 

Kio Virf;en 57 

Timber 57 

Game 58 

Monntain-roads 59 

Cave in Cave Valhy 59 

Koute taken by emi'jrants thronf;li I)ealli \alley W) 

Old Salt Lake road 61 

Mormon ronte, l^oT bl 

M ips til 

Js'arro\v-i;anf;e railways '>rj 

Wheelers Peak <ia 

Lien tenant Loek wood's report "2 

Tables of distances i-.-^i,;_^^ •'•' 

List of eauips, with lalilmlis longitnde, altilmle, Ac '- 



Office of the Chief of ExfiixEEES, 

^yasIli)l!)fon, D. C, March 0, 1875. 
Sir : Lieut. Goorge M. Wheeler, Corps ol' I'^iigineer.s, lias snbiiiittetl ii report concerning a re- 
connaissance made by him in l.S(i'.> in parts of iSonthern and Southeastern Xevada. 

The princii)al features of this report will be embodied in volume I of his forthcoming report of 
geonrai)hical explorations and surveys west of the one hundredth meridian, to be printed under 
provisions of the act of Congress approved June 23, 1S7 1. In order, however, that the report upon 
this reconnaissance may be made available at once, I would recommend that one thousand copies be 
printed at the (Jiovernnient Printing Otlicc for the use of this ofilce, upon tlu; usual rciiuisilion. 
Verj- respectfully, your obetliont s(Mvaiit, 

A. A. nujirnRETS, 
Brii/adier-Gencnil and Chief of EiKjincers. 
Hon. W-M. \\ . r.El.K'NAl', 

Sa-retnty of ^^'a)■. 
Api>roved. 
By order of (he Secretary of War, 

n. T. Ciio.^ijv, Chief Clerk. 
War Depaut-mea-t, March 11, lS7r>. 



United States Engineer Office, 
GEOGRArnroAL Explorations and Surveys West of the KiOrn jieridian, 

Waxhiiif/ton, T>. C, February IS, 1S75. 
General : I have the honor (o transmit herewith a report concerning an engineer reconnais- 
sance accomi)lished in ISdit, under orders from the headipiarters Department of California, and under 
luy charge, in parts of Southern and Southeastern Nevada. 

It slundd be remarked that this report has been prej)ared at such intervals as press of other 
duties would allow, and that its i>rlncipal features will be embwdied in volume I of the forthcoming 
report, in course of publication un<ler provisions of act of Congress approved June U.'}, 1871. 

The map* accomi)anying this report, while answering the i)urpose for which it was published, 
is not at present of si)ecilic value, and has been replaced by the regular atlas sheets. 
\'ery respectfidly, your obedient seiv;in(, 

Geo. ]\r. Witeeler, 
Lieut, of Kiiffiiiccrs, in charge. 
Brig. Gen. A. A. HUMPHREYS, 

Chief of Enffineers, United States Army. 

'M:t\t not republished. 



G E IsT E 11 J^l. 1 T I ^ E K xV n V 



United States Engineer Office, 

IlKADljUAUTEKS DKI'AKTMKNT OF CAI.IFOKNIA. 

Sun FifiiHlKco, Cut., JuHuurij I'l, 1870. 
To BrevetColoiu'l .1. 1'. SuERuruNE, 

AssIkIuiiI Adjutant (icnerul, lUp't of CuL, Sun Frunrlsro, CuL: 

Sii;: 1 Lave tlio lidiior to make tlio following |)i't>limiiiary report in m-Htimh'o, more partieiilarlv, 
to the military features connected with the reconnaissance through Southern Nevada, lately con- 
ducted under my cliarge, in which T was assisted by Lieut. 1). W. Loekwood, Corps of Engineers, 
Suited States Ai'my, three lUofessioTial assistants, and two practiced soldiers, accomiianied l)y an 
escort of twenty-li\e men of Company IT, I'^ighth United States Ca\alry, from Camp Halleck, 
Nevada. 

The conception of this reconnaissancie having originatt'd wilii the lirevet major jieniral com- 
manding the department, was commuuicated to the Chief of Engineers, and, meeting witli his 
ei)useut and approval, Special Order No. !)i was published, as follows : 

[Special Oiilers, No. i)-!.] 

IIliADQUACTKKS Pkt \l: 1 M I N I iil ( AMIliliMV. 

Sun I'linifixiv, Jiiuc 7, 181)9. 
By aiitliority from )io;i(liiii alters Military llivisioii of the I'acitic, LiiMit. (iiMjr-jo M. \Vli(i'l<'r, United i^tiitcs 
Eii<"iiieer.s, will proceed with liis eivil assi^stallts and tliree enlisted lueu to either Camps Halleek or Kiiljy, Nevada, and 
having been joined by Lieut. D. \V. Loekwood, United States Kngineors, now en route via Fort t'hiirehill, will 
there organize a party, to consist of two uon-commissioued oftieers and twenty-three enlisted men, (cavalry, or infantry 
monnted,) such drivers, packers, and guides as may be re(|uired; e(iuip them with the necessary, full, and completeout- 
lit, as far as the resources of the, posts will unable him so to do ; after which he will proceed, via the White Pine district, 
to make a thorough and careful reconnaissance of the district of country to the south and east of White Pine, extending 
his recounaissanee, if practicable, a« far as the head of iiavigatiou ou the Colorado Kiver, with a view of opening a road 
thereto from the White i'lue or CJrant district, of obtaining correct data for a military map of the country, and for the 
selection of the site or sites for such nnlitary post or posts to cover the mining country .south and east of White 
Pine frtun hostile Indians, as may be re(iuired. Such explorations and examinations as may will be made in reference 
to the physical geography of the country, its resourei^s in wood, water, agricultural or mineral productions. 

The character, habits, and numbers of Imlian tribes, aiul their disiiositioii toward settlers ami miners, will be sub- 
jects for investigations. 

Upon his return, he will make a detailed report upon the results id' the expedition, accomiianied by a map and 
subreports of a.ssistaiits. 

By commaud of lirevet Major-Geiiei:iI riid : 

John p. SiiiutiuRNE, 
Aaahlant Ailjiilaiit-General. 

Having carefidly made the iiecossary pielimiuary arraugemcnls. dtine 11-' found us ready to take 
the held. 

It having become necessary to forward transportation from Fort Churchill, Nev., to Camp IJuby, 
Nev., Lieutenant Loekwood was obliged to leave late in -May, as ho would have to make trom the 
former iioint a inarch of about nine dtiys ou the old overland road. 

Camp Halleck was reached on the morning of the loth, and it was I'oiind that few necessary 
arrangemeuts had been completed for fitting out the expedition for so long and dillicult a trip. It 
was necessary, therefore, to remain .several days in this vicinity, which proved of no considerable 
ultimate delay, as the survey of a hay reservation for the post was required. 

Careful sets of astronomical aiul meteorological ob.servations were taken to test our instruments) 



8 

and to pat thoin ami ourselves in working-order; besides, a line was carefully run to Teko, the nearest 
telegraph-station at that time, (since then a new location, called Ilalleck Station, has been made 
more nearlj' opposite Camp Halleck and more accessible than Teko,) from which longitude by tele- 
graph was to be determined. 

Meanwhile, Lieutenaut Lockwood. having reached Ruby with wagons and mules, came at once 
to Hnlleck. Fiually, ou the evening of the 2Gthof June, everything was ready for departure. 

Instructions from the Chief of Engineers were to the effect that, iu consequence of the geologi- 
cal survey iu charge of Clarence Kiug, it would not be necessary to delay on account of details, 
until about the latitude of White Piue was reached; but as it was thought best to carefully fix the- 
l)ositions of as many points as possible, and among them Cauij) Halleck, as well as also to perfect 
methods, it was considered advisable to go first to Elko, thence to Peko, on the Central Pacific Kail- 
road, as the Humboldt opiwsite the latter place was at the time uufordable, obtaining in this way 
longitudinal position for tiiese points as well as Halleck. This duty was completed on the eveniug 
of the .jd of July. Leaving Camp Halleck on the morning of the 4th, and following the upper or 
(Jilseu stage-road to White I'iiie, until the old overland roa<l was met, and following it through 
Hastings Pass, Camp Euby was reached on the evening of the 7th of July. 

Here, again, the uecessities of a few final preparations obliged us to remain four or five days, 
whicli interval was employed in making careful sets of observations, and in again telegraphing for 
hingitude. At last, on the morning of the 13th of July, everything was ready for the march; the 
train consisting of 36 persons, 8 wagons, 48 mules, and 31 horses. 

Taking the line of the telegraph road, Long Valley was traversed, and a camp about three miles 
eastward of Hamilton, ^^ liite I'ine district, Nevada, was made ou the IGth. Prom this point 
wagons were sent back to Camp Euby for barley and further amounts of commissary stores. At 
and around this point more (;areful topography was taken. Telegraphiug for longitude was also 
carried on with excellent success, the error of the chronometers obtained, and also their rate up to 
tliis time. Thanks are due to Maj. H. M. Robert, Corps of Engineers, who very kindly took in 
hand the direction of the chronometric signals received at Ban Francisco. Capt. H. F. Kodgers, 
ITnited States Coast Survey, also very obligiugly lent his assistance; while Mr. Thos. Tennent fur- 
nished the chronometers, and the Western Union Telegraph Company (to which especial thanks are 
due,) furnished the use of its lines and the necessary telegraphic facilities. 

WHITE riNK DISTUICT. 

This district at this time had been so much written about and so frequently visited that its 
general features were well understood. The excitement of the fall of 18(38 and succeeding winter 
was so much greater than the size and richness of the place demanded, that the consequent rea(;tiou 
had caused great distress anu)ng the working classes, and the sti'eets of Hamilton were thronged 
with hardy miners and rough nu)untain-men, without anything to do and without money. Subse- 
quently, uixin retuining to this vicinity, most of the peo[)le had departed, working their way toward 
Arizona. It cannot be expected that any one district will exhibit more than three or four princii)al 
leads, and if these prove to be fissure veins with yielding ores, permanence is considered certain, 
and the fiu'ilities produced by tinu; and capital determine the result. During my stay iu White Pine 
I saw nothing that could be called a fissure vein, although the mother lead, from which the various 
deposits seemed as but segregations, is pretty certain to exist. The base-metal range has a great 
mineral showing of low-grade smelting ore, and reduction works were iu progress iu Xovember, 
LSU'J. This canqi may be made, to a certain extent, the uucleus of supply to remote interior min- 
ing points. 

The necessary guides, packers, &c., having beeu obtained, a march to the eastward was uuule, 
and thence the reconnaissaiu^c carried to the south, along a meridian somewhat to the east of AVhitc 
Pine ; as to the suntii, so far as the Colorado, the whole of Southern Nevada was virtually unex- 
plored or ma[>iied. Therefore by conducting the topographical search as far to the east as the Utah 
Hue, and leturning, if possible, on a more westerly line, the greater if not the best parts of South- 
ern Neva<la could be examined. Snbsccpuuit results show the route to have beeu well selectc<l. 

Camp was broken on the morning of the 31st of July, and a march made toward Steptoo 



Valley, tbe wagons following a wagon-road to the Robinson District for tlie first daj's march of 
twelve miles. The country is comparatively well watered, and grazing in sufficient abundance. 
The next day took us directly across Sierra Valley, to a place called Summit Station, in the foot- 
hills of the Egan range, scantily snpplieil with bunch-grass, and water coming from a little spring, 
some two miles to the northward. The road fiom this point to Mineral City, Uobinson District, a 
distance of fourteen miles, was good and hard, so that in this day's march a camp is made on 
Murray's Creek, on east slope of Egan range, flowing into Steptoe Valley, which at this point shows 
a strip of land lit for cultivation. This valley extends to the southward from Murray's Creek, a 
distance of nearly thirty-five miles, while current report indicates that the same or contiguous val- 
leys reach to the Central Pacific Kailroad, with insen.sible divides, touching the same at a point 
about thirty miles east of Humboldt Wells, or near Toano. It is reasonable to suppose that such is 
the case with this and Si)ring Valley, the next valley to the eastward. If so, the railroad can be 
tapped with good success, and country roads, nearly due north and south, may be constructed on 
either line. Murray's Creek lies some six miles below Hercules Gate, a point on Simpson's route 
1858-'59. Remaining at this camp for three or four days to take careful observations and topog- 
raphy, a chance was given for a hasty examination of the mines in the 

ROBINSON DISTRICT, 

which is twenty miles long by six in width, lying on either side of the gorge in the Egan range, 
through which a natural road leads into Steptoe Valley. This camp presents remarkable natural 
facilities for the mining and milling of ores. Water and wood are in abundance and in close i)rox- 
imity to the prominent leads. Lumber in immense quantities can be procured along the eastern 
slope of the mountains, from eight to fourteen miles to the south, while the hills in which the mines 
lie are covered for the most part with a thick growth of nut-pine and mountain-cedar. Agricul- 
tural products can be obtained from ranches in Stejjtoe Valley. The ores are principally base, 
showing large proportions of lead and copper. A proportion of these alone would permit of work- 
ing by the ordinary wet process, while others require roasting and others again must be smelted. 
The deposits are plenty and have more the appearance of deposits than well-defined veins, oc- 
curring in dolomitic limestone, much disturbed. But few developments had been made, and it is 
not impossible that after reaching a moderate depth permanence of the veins may be .secured, and, 
if so, upon further opening uj) of the country, it is not unlikely that large amounts of bullion can be 
profitably produced from this locality. 

Leaving camp on the morning of the 6th of August the foot-hills of the western side of Step- 
toe Valley are followed to a place called Ice Creek, quite seventeen miles. To our left, during the 
day, several hay-ranches were passed, mostly situated ou Steptoe Oeek, rising in the Schell Creek 
range. The crop of grass is abundant ; bunch-grass is also good and in large quantity in the hills. 
To our right fine patches of timber are seen in the distance, often reaching almost to the tops of the 
highest peaks of the Egan range. Pine and fir furnish all the kinds of lumber found in these hills ; 
there is, however, an unlimited supply, but unfortunately sitiuited w itii referenee to water, as are 
most all places found at high altitudes in the mountains, and below the latitude of White Pine. 

Only small springs are met with, and these do not always contain good water, except where 
they act as reservoirs for the melting snows. Steptoe Creek sinks in the middle of the valley, 
as is common with most streams in these semi-desert localities. Nearly opposite camp is the Nevada 
Mining District, not visited for want of time. In the same range, to the northward, is another 
small district. 

On the morning of the 9th camp is broken, and passing a low divide. Cave Valley, having the 
same general .southern trend, is reached and followed to a locality opposite the I'atterson Mining 
District near a cave of local fame, supposed to be (piite extensive and womlerful. This camp is in 
a very lovely basin, with the sharj), steep peaks of the Schell Creek Mountains to the east, while 
the Egan range, with broken and rolling hills, lies to the westward. Wagons were sent back to 
Hamilton to take forage and sui)i>lies along the more westerly line for our return ; meanwhile parties 
went out to the north and eastward. A secure and pleasant camp was made; also arrangements to 
2 w 



10 

collect all possible data previous to encountering a more difficult country to the south. The march 
to this point from Ice Creek was 28| miles, over a fine mountain-road, with no water available till 
within two miles of the camp. 

TRIP TO PEETJSS LAEE AND RETURN. 

Upon the latest published map of Nevada consulted, (Holt's map,) a lake of considerable size, 
called Preuss Lake, is put down as cut by the eastern boundary of the State. It was determined 
to send a small party to find oiu this locality and return to the camp at the cave. Accordingly, on 
the morning of the 14th, with au escort of ten men, a start is made, and passing through the break 
of the mountains where lies situate the little places known as Montezuma and Springville, belong; 
iug to the Patterson District, Duck Lake Valley is reached, and bearing along its northwest side, 
after a march of fifteen miles, a camp made at Benson's Greek. Here is good grazing, and a 
tract of arable land. Have passed a lake of small size, filled with innumerable duck, comprising 
most of tlie game so far encountered; large game very scarce, only au occasional deer and antelope 
seen, and these at long distances. As for small game there is but little; along the foot-hills now 
and then a few sage-hens and jack-rabbits are encountered ; higher up, and wherever timber is 
found, grouse appear in occasional flocks. The next day a low divide is crossed into Spring Valley, 
which, like its mate, (Steptoe Valley,) continues, it is said, to the railroad direct, with only low 
divides between almost continuous depressions. A march of over twenty miles leads to a camp 
opposite Jeft' Davis Peak, near the Shoshone Mining District. Camp is made at a small creek with 
pure and clear water, near ranches that have sprung up in conjunction with the mining camp. 
Bunch-grass abounds ; hay is plenty in the immediate neighborhood, and three or four thousand 
acres of cultivatable land await the settler. 

SHOSHONE DISTRICT. 

A few hours are taken for a hasty glance at these mines while the party is moving on. This 
is done in company with Mr. A. F. White, acting State Geologist of Nevada, who met us in this 
vicinity, having been our companion at the Gave for a few days. It is not proposed to enter into 
any detail with i-egard to mines in this report, as their bearing upon roads and means of commu- 
nication, whether military or civil, is very slight at present, and as their undeveloped stateis so general. 

The mines are on the western slope of the Snake range, and exposed in a rough break in 
the side of the mountains, down which a large wash of sand has accumulated, making a ramp to 
bring one up nearer to the level of the mines. The leads seem wide and well defined, free, 
also, in a great measure, from the base metals, and ought to work well by the ordinary wet process. 
There is certainly a good showing for the extraction of a large amount of ore, most of which is 
likely to be of low grade. But few miners were at work at the time of our visit. Water in the 
near vicinity of the mines is scarce; being enough for the necessities of the camp. The creek, 
near which the camp was made the night before, affords a good site for mills. Fuel abundant ; 
lumber to be obtained some eight or ten miles higher up on the same range. The party had gone 
into camp ; some springs of bad alkaline water. Before night fourteen rattlesnakes had been killed, 
and it was thoHght not inappropriate to name this place " Eattlesnake Springs." Further acqtiaint- 
ance with the locality proved that it was well to leave a warning in the name for the future traveler. 

From this point, the ascent of the mountain known as " Jeff Davis Peak," and considered the 
highest point between the Sierra Nevada and Eocky Mountain range is made. The summit reached 
by the moonlight, and a descent to the line of vegetation, where the rest of the men with the pack 
animals were in camp, is made therefrom. An early start in the morning brought us to the top at 
8.30 a. m., and observations for latitude and longitude were taken, the barometer-observations 
showing an altitude of at least 13,000 feet. The descent was more rapid, but not easy, and night 
found us back at camp completely exhausted. The next day a march of twenty-three miles is made 
to Sacramento District, in a pass of the Snake range. 

The road all along Spring Valley had been a rude track, lately made by the prospectors of the 
region. Pure water is found in this mountain-pass. Some little fuel of scant cedar and nut-pine. 
Generally speaking, the water so far in our course Las been found far better.iu quality and more 



11 

freciuoiit ill iihicc and quantity than bad been anticipated. There are only a few places that have 
been at all alUaliiie or mineral. This advantage will prove a great one as travel is directed to any 
points along the eastern border of the State. 

SACRAMENTO DISTRICT. 

This district is situated in Red Canon Pass of the Snake range, and exposes to view, on the 
southern side, the mines that had attracted, at our coining, a lew miners. The products are both 
silver and gold, found within a limited com])ass, and in continiialion of the mineral belt to the 
northward of Shoshone, and which seems to follow several distinct luountain-chains through Nevada. 
The eastern limit shows slate. No present develoi)inents indicate a certainty of large mineral 
products, yet the average assays have been good, and the ore is easily mined. Chloride of silver 
appears in a highly crystalized spar, so near approaching quartz in hardness, texture, and ai)[)ear- 
ance that it is hardly possible to distinguish; however, I believe that, so far, no chlorides have 
been found in a highly siliceous matrix. 

The facilities for th(^ benefit of a good mining-camp are favorable. Water sufficient, wood 
enough for fuel, lumber in limited quantities in the mountains, at not too great distances. Both 
Spring and Snake Valleys, in the vicinity, are favorable for the production of the various fanu- 
sui)plies necessary for sustenance. It is not unlikely that one, or two at least, good leads or deposits 
will be found. 

So far, our intercourse with the Indians had been limited, appearances indicating that in many 
instances they have fled at our approach. The Shoshoiies and Gosiiitcs, in whose country tlic route 
had so far lain, have, in years gone by, sufl'ered greatly c»u the hands of the United States troojis, 
and our guide and interpreter was known to them personally, and the word having been passed 
along the lines, they had silently taken their departure prior to our coming. This was in- 
dicated ill two or three instances by the sight of deserted wick-e-Hi)S, and it appears as a well-attested 
fact that they have a great terror of the soldiers. 

Emerging from the pass, near Sacramento District, Snake Valley is entered, and here are 
encountered some of the Snake Indians, who are in the habit of occupying the valley iu [ilantiiig 
and harvesting sesison, raising scanty crops, which they cache for the winter use, and then retire to 
the mountains. Altogether, we have found some two hundred of these Indians, whose chief, 
JJlackhawk, is a shrewd and calculating Indian, undoubtedly of a character superior to the 
average. These Indians had never received annuities from any source, and had always, according 
to their own story, been pea(!eable and friendly to the whites. Some Mormons had farmed a ranch 
near them, about the center of the valley, but they had never brought anything from the Morniou 
side. Further insight into the Indian affairs iu Southern Nevada leads mo to suppose that but 
little care has been bestowed upon the manner iu which the Indians receive annuities or benefits 
from Government. To be sure, scarcely anything has been known of the number, character, or 
habits of many of these Indians, who are quite numerous. Yet, in the case of the Indians on the 
Muddy, who are living on the line of a mail-road, and have done so for years, up to the time of our 
arrival no such person as an Indian agent was known to them. I understand that lately a sub- 
agent has been sent to this particular locality. The most of these I ndiaiis,in case they were placed 
upon a reservation, could support themselves readily, and would be entirely peaceable and easily 
managed. 

The sc^cond day's nuirch down Snake Valley leads to Snake Creek, at a point that proves to 
be within half a mile of the Utah line. It had been my intention not to cross this line, as it not 
only carried me out of the military division of the Pacific, but also out of any proposed or supposed 
north and south line of communication to the Colorado. However, a part of this detonr-trij) was 
for the purpose of tiiKliiig Preuss Lake, which it still api)earedto be of some satisfaction to attempt. 

Ou the afternoon of the 2d August, a start was made, and next day at 5 p. m. Hawawah 
Springs, in sight of the lake, was reached. The next day brought us to its shores to receive only 
a disappointment ou finding it both salt and brackish to an extreme degree. A night march to the 
camp at llawawah Springs was made, aud after three days forced marching the more permanent 
camp in Cave Valley. Our return was upon a rough desert road, made by the Mormons in 18iJ7, 



I 



12 

when they were looking for places of refuge in case that our troops molested the quietude of their 
mountain villages. Upon reaching the old camp, observations were repeated for time, wliicli gave 
good results in determining the rate of the chronometers, which were found to have been runuing 
with great regularity. 

PATTERSON DISTRICT, 

Lyiug in a natural pass ot the Schell Creek range, was discovered by parties driving cattle through 
from Southern Utah to the vicinity of mining camps in and around Austin and Belmont. Noth- 
ing was doue, however, till tbe spring of 1869, when a little excitement sprung up. The 
showing of mineral appears upon the northern side of the pass, the leads having the general 
northern and southern trend so noticeable in most localities visited during the trip. A slight 
examination of these mines was made, and the general impressions derived were quite favorable. 
Tbe leads are found mostly in limestone. The country rock is much disturbed, and in consequence, 
until some deep developments are made, there appears no absolute certainty of finding a well- 
defined fissure-vein, although one particular lode, the "Gray Eagle," has tbe outward appearance 
of being the mother vein. There is a great absence of the base metals, and tbe ores will, in almost 
every instance, work freely. Water is scarce on the western side of the summit of the pass, and 
nearest to the best mines. Wood for fuel is in sufficiency, and lumber to be found on the eastern 
slope of the range at a distance of seven or eight miles to the north. 

There is a sad lack of capital at this as well as most other of these remote mining locations 
which want, coupled with remoteness, are serious drawbacks that now hold in aljeyance the develop- 
ment of a vast amount of mineral wealth in Southern Nevada. 

The animals and men having recuperated, on the morning of the 1st September, camp was 
broken for a start into a region comparatively unknown, and about which but little information 
could be gleaned from either Indians or white men. The long marches both by night and day, 
joined with constant labor, have been considered slight in comparison with the hardships expected 
from climate and desert in our further progress to the Colorado. 

Lieutenant Lockwood was detached at this point, and sent with a small party with orders to 
conduct his march via Pahranagat Valley, and reach some of the settlements on the Muddy. 
This proved to be the most direct line to the southward. I was led to believe that by going still 
farther to the east, a better route in regard to grass and water could be found for the train. 
Ultimate results showed that this idea was a false one, although either route would have been 
diflBcnlt for a number of wagons heavily laden — the nature of the road, tbe distances a^iart of the 
watering places, and chances for grazing being in advance uncertain. 

Passing to the eastern slope of the Schell Creek Mountains, through Patterson, the road leads 
along the foothills to the Ely Mining District, some ten or twelve miles above the head of Meadow 
Valley, with only one spring of water intervening, and a stretch of forty-five to fifty miles of com- 
parative desert. It was reported that Mormons were living to the east of the next range, named 
Fortification Kauge, and by crossing over into the chain of valleys so settled that a good road could 
be found well supplied with grass and water, upon which, by detouring a little, we could reach the 
settlement at Meadow Valley. I was greatly desirous of continuing the topography as far as the 
eastern line of the State, and this would give the opportunity ; moreover, we were all very curious 
to see as much as possible of the Mormons and their settlements. Our experience in taking this 
route was a sad one, but the extra amount of topographical and other information gained more than 
repaid. Crossing Duck Lake Valley, we came to the pass in the Fortification Range, and for four or 
five days labored faithfully to cross. This was called Pioneer Caiion, an appropriate name, as we 
were all pioneers during its passage. Most of the wagons were upset while going through this 
canon, although all possible care was taken, and everybody was at work from sun to sun. The 
escort behaved remarkably well, showing a great deal of energy and endurance, both of which 
qualities afterwards, in several instances, were called for, and at all times they did their duty faith- 

NoTE. — The locality reached was determined in 1872 to be the southern shore of Sevier Lake the reservoir of the 
water coming from the Sevier River. Hence Preuss Lake is hypothetical. The valley lying to the eastward of the 
Hawawah range, in which occurs an alkaline flat evidently overflown by water from Sevier Lake during seasons of 
great freshet, has been called " Preuss Valley " upon the atlas-sheets to perpetuate the name ot" this most excellent 
topographer connected with FriSmont's expedition. 



13 

fully. On the suiuiuit of the Pass, as inrlootl on every snmniit stiiBciently hi£;li, cnconntered in onr 
travels, as far as the t'ye could reach in all directions, one sees only eliaiii alter chain of mountains 
in every variety of contour, hiding from view valley after valley, found to exist only after a nearer 
approach. Descendin<!; the grade, a ravine is followed for iVmr or five miles, where a camp is made 
for tlie night. The next day's march commtiiiced througli dense cedars reaching far into the foot- 
hills of the northern end of a valley known by the Mormons as Spring Valley, and named Cedar 
A^alley, when it was found that it came within the limits of Nevada. After a march of seventeen or 
eighteen miles, the first .Mormon .settlement is reached, a little place called llomer, built in the shape 
of a fort, and settled with a number of people of the Mormon persuasion. The coming of so large 
a party, with -several wagons and numerous animals, stirred up quite a commotion among these 
people nestled among the mountains, who are unaccustomed to seeing a strange face except at 
rare intervals. 

These outer settlements have been formed from time to time when the excess of population 
crowds them farther and farther away from the central point. Salt Lake City. The one above 
mentioned is among the most remote and inaccessible, situated, however, in a fine mountain 
valley, containing a limited amount of good land. We made a call upon the Bishop, or acting 
business man of the colouy, and were well received. Some knowledge was gleaned as to their 
character and habits in that and also at other settlements. 

In Spring or Cedar Valley is the source of a creek known, for the greater part of its course, as 
Meadow Creek, that flows through Eagle, KovSe, Dry, and Bound Valleys to Meadow Valley, often 
tiirough tortuous cafious, but traceable in all cases. Following down Jleadow Valley, these waters 
pass tlirongh a very dithcult canon, known as Sleadow \'alley Canon, and thence through Long 
N'alley, until within about thirty -five miles of the Mnddy River, when they sink to ri.se again within 
twelve miles <bf the above river, and flowing for a little distance, are lost again in the sandy wash, 
and do not re-appear. Without doubt this water must come into the Muddy before the latter 
reaches the Virgin, showing in reality the Jleadow Creek to be the eastern branch, and that (juite 
a section to the northeast of I'ahranagat lies in the basin of the Colorado, inst:ead of the Great 
Interior, or Salt Lake Basin. Where this water comes out, its temperature is quite warm, reach- 
ing as high as 76° Fahrenheit; similar waters are found in I'ahranagat Valley, that also flow 
eventually into the JIuddy, through a subterranean source or transit for these waters. 

The canon leading directly from Cedar to Eagle Valley was not passable for any except hoi'se- 
inen; couseciueiitly a detour, first to the .south and east, and then south and west, was made, 
bringing us to the i)lace after a march of fourteen miles. 

This is a little valley entirely surrounded by blufi" mesas, and not distant mountain-peaks, and 
appears as if by magic, as one emerges from the steep walled caiion, thickly studded on either side 
with cedars leading to it from the east. In the mountains there is an abundance of fire-wood on the 
mountaiu-sides, but not always near the places most eligible for settlement. Timber is, however, 
very scarce. Eagle Valley produces fine croi)S, which were in full growth at our arrival. The liaj-- 
makers were at work, and the extreme pieturesqueuess of the .scene brought great relief to tlie eye, 
accustomed to^ok ahead daj- after day, with rough mountain-peaks in advance and only the calcu- 
lations of the imagination to estimate the decrease in distance from them. ^Ve have been traveling, 
as it were, in the dark since leaving our eanq) in Cave Valley. Our guide had never been over this 
part of the route up to this point. The Indians and Jlormons were both taciturn as regards informa- 
tion. The day's march was continued, and night found us at a little valley some two miles in length, 
called Bose Valley, full of stock, and completely hemmed in, a little basin in the mountains. 

Our marches have been tedious to both men and animals, as the wagons were heavily laden. 
The roads, at some points, were very rough and winding, making distances seemingly great. It 
was thought best to let the animals remain for twenty-four hours, as the grazing was good. Only a 
few Mormon randnnen in this valley. 

The amount of land in the three valleys mentioned will not exceed 2,500 acres, if it were culti- 
vated to its greatest limits, and at least half of this is only fit for grazing and hay. 

The .soft, saccharine bunch-grass, so valuable for the animals, is still found on the foot-hills, and 
in many ca.ses extends high in altitude. 

The topographical parties continue on, winding through Dry Valley ; then detouring, first to 



14 

the southeast, then southwest, Meadow Valley is reached after a march of eighteen miles over a very 
good mouutaiu road. 

I had remained at the camp in Eoso Valley to take observations till 2 p. m., and then rode 
rapidly forward, joining the camp at a largo warm spring, about a mile above Panacea — the Mor- 
mon settlement in Meadow Valley. 

At all times, when near the Utah boundary, greater care has been taken in the astronomical, 
observations, as it soon became apparent to me that quite a large number of settlements, supposed 
by the Mormons and every one else to be in Utah, would prove to be in Nevada. The present recon- 
naissance determines beyond a doubt that seven or eight settlements, varying in size from one hun- 
dred to five or six hundred souls, will come within the Nevada line. 

The next daj' the Meadow Valley mines, (Ely Mining District,) were visited, with only a small 
party and a scarcity of time, as great delay had been experienced in passing Pioneer Canon, and had 
still before us one of the hardest marches in the country before reaching the Muddy, which point 
it was desirable to gain by the 15th, as at that time the rations of Lieutenant Lockwood's party 
would be exhausted ; and on the morning of the 9th September, we are only at the 

ELY MmiNG DISTRICT, 

which is situated among the high and broken foot-hills of the Schell Creek range, at the head of 
Meadow Valley, to the northwest of the settlement, and about twelve miles distant. 1 was told by 
Mormons in Panacea that these mines had been known for a long time to them, but that neither 
their church doctrines nor their habits had encouraged the develoiimeiit of mining enteri)rise. They 
-were located by a scouting party sent out by General Connor from Camp Douglas, some years ago, 
but were never worked till afterwards located by prospectors, among whom was Mr. Ely, from 
whence the name. A San Francisco company have started work upon some of the locations, appar- 
ently on quite a large scale, while Mr. Ely and some others were engaged in developments of many 
of the leads. The slight examination made of these mines left a very favorable impression upon 
my mind as regards their extent, permanence, and richness. The country in close proximity is 
very rough, from irregularities of rock structure and erosion, and covered in great part 
by nut-pine and cedar. No water within six or seven miles, except a small spring, affording 
but a few gallons daily; but to the westward, and at the distance above mentioned, is a line spring 
running at its minimum eight inches of water, and, at certain seasons, as high as from thii ty to 
thirty-five inches. This can easily be brought to the immediate vicinity of the mines. The bulk of 
the ore is argentiferous galena, intermingled, however, with both lead and silver in other forms. 
The Pioclie is one of the princii)al mines, and judging from the showing, is a part of the mother 
vein of the district. A shaft has been sunk to a distance of forty-live feet, showing a wide vein of 
ore with well defined walls, which is undoubtedly a true fissure. 

A return by night is made to our camp, which has been changed to a spring three miles below 
Panacea, which is reached a little after midnight. Every one is in camp, except two men absent 
after stock. So far only two animals have been lost, but strenuous and continuous exertions have 
been necessary to keep them from straying away or being stolen. The Indians especially are fond 
of such games. 

We are now in the country of the Pah-utes, but they also keep away from our sight. The old 
Indian, Adabe, who had accompanied us to Preuss Lake and return, also to Spring Valley, was 
sent from the latter jilaco after stock, and has not shown himself since. This has caused some 
little uneasiness, as the character of the Indians following our march to the Muddy is known to be 
treacherous, and this fellow has been at one time the captain of from two to three hundred of them. 
Most of the Pah-utes profess to be friendly to the whites, but they will steal and lie, like all true 
Indians, to a fearful extent. The Mormons stand in considerable awe of them, and treat them 
very well, giving them a great deal to eat. We learn of the massacre of two men in the cation 
below by Indians within twenty days of our arrival, and the place is not looked upon as safe for 
parties of two or three men. We remained in this camp over one day, as all of the professional 
members of the expedition were sadly worn out. 

All reports were unfavorable with regard to a route leading to the Muddy. The shortest line 



15 

wonld be to follow the waters of Meadow Oreek, and the washes below the main eauon should at 
last bring us to the desired point. The distance on this route would have been abont ninety-live 
miles. A road leads from Panacea to Hyko, and.from thence to settlements on the Muddy, a dis- 
tance of one hundred and fifty miles. Again, by detouring to Clover Valley, a little to the east, 
and coming into the same wash below .Meadow Canon, the above point could be reached in about 
one hundred and ten miles. None of these routes seemed especially pleasing. It was oidy neces- 
sary to select the one productive of the best results. The Mormons said, " Go by the cafion." Tliis 
would have been the shortest route, but in my own mind I liad concluded that tlie heavy army 
wagons, with large loads, could never go through a cafion having here and there quicksands, and 
the whole surface, for the greater part, covered with water. Accordingly, it was considered best to 
detour by way of Clover Valley. Although this proved a sorry route— almost as good as imprac- 
ticable — yet we afterwards learned from good authority that it would have been impossible on 
account of the miry platres to have taken the train through the caiion. 

On the morning of the 11th September a start was made to continue the route to the sontii- 
ward, but, mistaking the road, one was followed down the valley. We were stop])ed at the mouth 
of the canon, some of tlie wagons having mired, and finding out that we were on the wrong track 
for Clover Valley, had nothing left us but to return to the old camp, not a little disappointed. We 
encountered an old ^lormon gathering hay near the head of the canon, and having had experience 
with a light wagon through the eaiiou, told us that, in his opinion, it was impassable for us. This 
only confirmed preconceived ideas. 

The succeeding day we got fairly otf, and continued the inarch for thirty miles, coming in at 
night to a?iother little mountain valley, having passed over rolling country, principally covered 
with nut-pine and cedar ; road good, but very crooked. The wash from this valley enters Meadow 
Creek Canon, and therefore how far to the northeast of this position the dividing line of the great 
interior basin. from that of the Colorado passes, it is somewhat ditficult to say. However, it is 
judged not to be very far distant. Clover Valley is a small Mormon settlement, comprising some 
seven or eight hundred acres of arable land. 

The next tlay we followed a wash leading to the southeast ; which followed higiier up to the foot- 
hills, develops some fine timber-patches— this at a distance of seven or eight miles from where we 
left the ravine. There is a small saw-mill at this place that furnishes timber for all the outer 
Mormon settlements, sending some as far to the south and west as the settlements on the Muddy. 
This is the only i)atch of large and fine pine timber for a radius of fifty miles. In fact, such areas 
are seldom found in the section of the State traversed. 

From Clover Valley a rough and tortuous road is followed to a summit, descending from which 
a large wash joining Meadow Valley Creek below the cailon is entered. No laden wagons had ever 
passed through this ravine, and upon fairly getting into it, I began to despair of ever bringing the 
train through. At noon the wagons had just begun to descend ; at 6 p. m. they had only succeeded 
in gaining two miles, ^leanwhile every one in the party was hard at work making a road. Some 
of the advance parties, by accident, found two or three little water-holes some four or five miles 
distant from the summit, and the animals are driven to this point, but get only a small allowance. 
A little bunch-grass is found nearly one mile from this place. Appearances indicate that bunch- 
grass is disappearing, as also everything in the shape of vegetation — a sure sign of a near ai)proach 
to the Colorado Desert. 

The next morning pioneering is again commenced, and continued until nightfall, when the 
wagons reaeh the little water-holes mentioned, which, b careful cleaning out, have, by the next 
morning, gathered nearly enough water for all the animals, that are now every hour getting worse 
fagged and worn. The surveying party pushed ahead, and late at night succeeded in threading 
out the labyrinth, which will be called Clover Valley Canon, and made camp upon Meadow Creek 
at the point where it comes out from a steep canon. The whole case was taken into consideration, 
and the conclusion arrived at that the horses and mules, in their worn condition, with hardly any 
grass and infrequent supplies of water, would not be able to get through to the settlements on the 
Muddy without losing njauy valuable animals. Accordingly, in company with Mr. Wm. M. Ord, a 
start was made to reach those settlemeuts, hardly knowing the distance, the dangers, or necessities 



16 

of the march. This was at 2 p. m. of the 14th of September. We traveled till 4 a. m. the next 
morning down a sandy wash, with almost perpendicular walls of rock and sand conglomerate on 
either side, without reaching any water, as Meadow Creek had sunk about three miles below onr 
camp, in a widening out of the wash, called Long Valley. 

It was then concluded best to take a little sleep until the day might break. Meanwhile our 
horses made a hearty meal of the surrounding canes. During the day willows with pods and 
blossoms were seen along the wash, quite different from any before noticed; also, one wildcat. 
At night two horned rattlesnakes were met with, which, with their incessant rattling, moved off in 
a lateral direction at our approach — not pleasant friends to encounter in so dreary a locality. The 
mountain-quail are noticed in this wash for the first time during the trip ; scarcely any other 
sort of game. Even the jack-rabbits are no longer seen except on rare occasions. Daybreak dis- 
covers to us, after saddling up and riding ahead for about one thousand yards, that we Iiave camped 
within that distance of where the Meadow Greek again appears. A slight breakfast is taken, 
and we push on, and at 1 p. m. come across some Indian rancherias, but as none of them could 
converse in English, it yet seemed uncertain how near at band our destination might be. Still the 
same dreary sandy wash continues, opening out as the rancherias are passed, and in the foreground, 
some fifteen or twenty miles distant, apparently, were mountains supposed to be to the westward 
of the Muddy. At 3 p. m. Mr. Ord's horse had given entirely out, and we had been walking for 
two or three hours. At this time, by climbing a little sand-mound, a line of vegetation, wind- 
ing through the desert, was seen in the distance, and apparently a party encamped. I concluded 
to ride ahead, and much to my joy and relief found Lieutenant Lockwood and his party — a rather 
.sorry meeting, as, having had bad luck also, they were entirely used up. In company with him, a 
further travel of eighteen miles was made, till Saint Joseph was reached, at which place it was 
supposed that grain could be purchased. The next morning this business was consummated, and 
the grain forwarded to the party. The distance traveled from our camp on Meadow Greek had been 
seventy-eight miles. 

It was thought advisable to have all make camp near West Point, a settle ment within two or 
three miles of the point at which the old Los Angeles and Salt Lake road crosses the ^luddy. This 
was done, and Lieutenant Lockwood's party immediately moved to this point. The most was made 
of the interval, before the other wagons should come up, in physical recuperation of both men and 
animals. Finally, on the afternoon of 22d September, the parties hauled slowly into camj) — a 
scare-crow, exhausted-looking set — sadly wanting on the part of the animals, then in a semi 
starving condition, good grain, grass, and water, while the men needed at least a few nights of 
sound repose. 

The Indians and Mormons are frequent visitors to our camp while near West Point. The 
former come both for curiosity and to see what they can steal ; the latter, to vend the productions 
of their little ranches and gardens. 

The Indians in Southern Nevada and below the latitude of Patterson District know but little 
of white men other than Mormons, and have been taught to look upon them as chief, cleai-ly dis- 
criminating between the former and Gentiles. This peculiarity is carried to a remarkable degree 
of penetration whenever a German happens along, who no sooner comes alone and unprotected 
than he is pretty sure to lose his horse and other personal eSects. 

The treaty made by Governor (now Senator) Nye in ISG3, in Ruby Yalley, extended only as 
far south as Quinn's Canon. The Indians on the Muddy, when all counted, number nearly five 
hundred, while at the rancherias in Long Valley wash there are between seventy and eighty. The 
numbers of other Indians in close vicinity of Clover Valley, in Meadow Valley, and near Spring 
Valley, could not be accurately found out, as they kept wholly aloof — a sign always to be feared, 
as when they do so it only wants the hope of certainty of success for them to attack any party. To 
what cause this was to have been attributed is somewhat difficult to say. Their communication 
with more northern Indians is quite slight ; and the Utahs speak quite a diflerenc language. These 
Indians could all be easily habituated to live on a reservation, and in that way would become self- 
supporting. At the rancherias encountered they raise small crops of grain, potatoes, and many 
melons. 

The valley of the Muddy, though very contracted, is fertile, and forms the Dixie of Nevada 



17 

state, anil so are called tbe tbree Mormon settlements — West Point, Saint Josepb, and Saint 
Thomas — adjacent to tbe most fertile spots. Of tbose tbe entire population amounts to from 
twelve to tiltcen hundred souls. In summer many go to the more northern settlements, to return 
ajiain in the winter, having- always, as a matter of course, a wife or wives in each place. One of 
these people, privijeged with four wives, was the happy father of twenty-two children. All of them 
at this, his winter resort, were being reared unwashed, unkempt, untaught. All sorts of crops that 
are familiar to the growth of our Southern States can be raised on these little spots of land, although 
surrounded by tiie mountainous desert on every band. Unfortunately, the areas tiiat can be cul- 
tivated are small, otherwise cotton could bo raised in great (luantities. Small lields of this were 
ready for picking at our arrival. All tbe grains do well, but produce not so largely as in Tabrana- 
gat ^'alley. Tbe same in regard to potatoes and most vegetables. Fruits and vines llourisb 
luxuriantly. 

The limited waters of tbe ]Muddy will not irrigate more than about lifteen hiiiidicd acres; so 
that, in case vast extents of the finest vegetable mold existed, it must now lie desert and arid for 
the want of irrigation. 

Tbe most is made of every particle of information that can be gathered in respect to tbe nature 
of the country in immediate vicinity of tbe Colorado, so that our exhausted forces shall be put to 
the best use in continuing tlie examination, that it may be as full and satisfactory as possible. All 
accounts were alike unfavorable, and our minds were made up for tbe severest trials of tbe triji. It 
was plainly evident that the most that could be done would be to follow the Virgin to its mouth ; 
thence, closely bugging tbe Colorado, ¥A Dorado Canon might be reached, and from thence a road 
runs to Las Vegas Springs. The wagons can go no farther south without having to return, show- 
ing how opjiortuue it had been to keep them in vicinity of the old California road. It was deter- 
mined to send them at once to Las N'egas Kanch, at which point the animals would have a chance 
to recuperate, and tbe parties would be in position to re-enforce tbe party going via the Colorado 
This jiarty consisted of, besides myself. Lieutenant Lockwood, Jlr. llamel, one corporal and six men, 
in adtlition to a pack-train, consisting of six animals. Previous to our departure on the morning 
of the i'Otb, tbe section in proximity to the valley of the .Muddy had been examined. The settle- 
ments along tbe 3Iuddy bad also been visited. 

Tiie first day's march brought us to tbe junction of tbe Muddy with the Virgin. Cam|) was 
made beside the stream so long looked forward to with some anticipation, that told us we might 
tind a river. Instead, however, its dignity attains to no more than that of a mill-stream over a 
sandy Hat. Tbe water, continually full of cla^ aiid sand particles, is of a reddish, muddy color, 
fearfully brackish, ami scarcely tit for any animal to drink. The thirst occasioned by a long day's 
travel over a sandy road, in a temperature tliat would indicate more than 112^ Fahrenheit in tbe 
shade, made any water palatable. 

The next day, after taking obser\ations till 2.30 p. m., we moved down the river sonii' live or 
six miles, passing and leaving on our right the noted Salt Mountain, containing remarkably pure 
crystals. This is owned by the llyko Silver ^lining (^ompauj', and is a very extensive deposit. 
Other salt deposits are found near the banks of the Virgin, and to the south, while within one thou- 
sand yards of its mouth is a large, deeii well of remarkably clear water, but i)Owerfully charged with 
salty nuitter. This is situatcil upon the mesa, some five hundred yards from tbe Colorado, with pre- 
ciiiitous banks, looking on the deep waters below. No one knows the depth ; our jiarties could not 
ascertain this for want of means. Undoubtedly its origin is from the Virgin through underground 
channels. 

We had reached tbe mouth of the ^■irgiu, and looked upon tbe banks of the llio Colorado. 
Here two Mormon lisbermen inhabit a little hut, and catch some few fish from tbe river. We were 
at this point some fifty or sixty miles below the foot of tbe " (irand Canon," which point it had been 
my intention to visit, but the worn-out condition of the expedition absolutely forbade my doing so. 

From the most reliable information that could be gathered, it appears that the Colorado is 
approachable on its northern and western sides at but very few points from El Dorado Canon to 
far above the foot of the (Irand Cafion. A few sandy washes in tbe near vicinity of El Dorado 
Canon lead down to the river. From the head of several of these access can be gained to the inte- 
rior country. The next one is foniul at the mouth of Vegas wash, above the Black Cafion, a strip 
3w 



18 

of low shore that, extendiug above Callville, is lost iu the rough mouQtaius that, breaking across the 
river at this point, constitute the walls of Virgin or Boulder Caiion. Again, at the mouth of the Vir- 
gin, the river may be approached, but not again until the crossing is reached below the foot of the 
Grand Caiion. This point can be approached from Saint George by following down the Grand 
wash. The next crossing is at the mouth of Paria Creek. Soine twenty miles further is a point 
known as El Vado de los Padres, that leads into the Navajo country. 

These six points are the only available ones in a stretch of three hundred and fifty miles at which 
the river can be approached by a road, and at the most of these that road cannot be much better 
than a trail, without largfe expenditure in the way of building. The precipitous and high mountains 
make down to the banks of the Colorado in a continnous line, from eight to ten miles below El 
Dorado Cauon, and up to within five or six miles of the mouth of the Virgin. At the three other 
crossing points direct communication can be had with the lower country. Between the first-men- 
tioned places, according to information obtained, no parties have ever succeeded in gettingdown to 
the river from the lower side. 

I am indebted to Mr. Gibbons, representative from Saint Thomas to the territorial legislature 
of Arizona, and Mr. Ira P. Hatch, an old Indian guide and interpreter in Meadow Valley, for nuicli 
of tlie information in regard to the Colorado in the vicinage of the reconuaissance-Iine. 

Lieutenant Ives and party succeeded in following down Diamond Creek until the Colorado 
was reached. This is probably the only point at which a party can get through on the lower side 
between the crossing below the Grand CaDon and the coufiuence of the Little Colorado, except at 
the Sheavwitz crossing. In case there is to be a railroad leading from any point on the Central 
Pacific Eailroad through Xevada, and counc.ting with Arizona, the problem is a very simple one. 
The Colorado must be crossed either at the mouth of the Virgin or at the mouth of the Grand 
wash. 

Knowledge gained from the Indians and from other sources makes it apparent that the passage 
is not difficult, after having crossed the Colorado at the mouth of the Virgin, to reach the head of 
the Hualapais Valley, and thence to Preseott, the most notable of any of the points in Northern 
Arizona. ^ 

While standing upon the mesa near this place, I could see a wide wash that seemed to follow 
to the top of the low hills opposite, and from which the Indians said we could easily follow to any 
of the valleys below. I was very anxious to cross the river at this point, and climbing some peak 
get a view to the south and eastward, but we were obliged to push rapidly on. Should this prove 
true, it will not be impossible to connect this point^asily with a road to Preseott, which would 
probably meet the road from Hardyville to the above point near Camp ToU-Gate. A hasty recon- 
naissance through this stretch of country will be necessary in order to fully settle this point. 

The route from Toano, on the Central Pacific Eailroad, leading through Pahranagat Valley to 
the mouth of the Virgin, will be the most eligible iu case that it is desirable to reach jioints below 
the Colorado in this way. 

The route that has been traveled considerably during the present season, leads from Elko 
via White Pine, down Eailroad Valley to Quinn Canon ; thence, via Crescent Mill, Indian Spring, 
Las Vegas, and Hardyville, and thence on the military road to Preseott, passing Camp Toil-Gate. 
By a reference to the table of distances it is seen that this route is comijaratively worthless, and 
ciin only be used by small parties. 

As regards the navigation of the river, my opinion can bn\y be rendered as a digest of the bulk 
of authentic intelligence which it was my care to seek as much as possible, at all times, where I 
supposed it could be found. It is well known that the Esmeralda, an old hnlk, did succeed in 
getting as far up the river as Callville, then a small Mormon landing above the Black Caiion, pass- 
ing successfully the Eoaring Eai)ids. If this has been done, it seems quite certain that there are 
fewer obstructions in Virgin or Boulder Canon. If so, practical navigation may easily reach the 
mouth of the Virgin. Again, from this point on, it is understood that no insurmountable hin- 
derances occur to ordinary navigation until the Big Canon is reached ; but after ascending this for a 
distance of about five miles, it becomes impossible to go any further. No present or prospective 
needs go to show that it will ever become necessary to navigate higher than the Virgin. If they 
do, such navigation may be carried as far as the Grand Cafion crossing. In order to accomplish 



19 

this, strong stemwLeel steamers, of light draught, with heavy power^ will need to bo used, while 
all the merchandise will have to be placed on barges. 

The local necessities for navigation, even this far, seem, at the present moiiuMit, to be very few. 
Scarcely any mines exist in close proximity to the river, and of those above Mojave the only ones 
known are at El Dorado CaiJou. There is no agricultural land of any moment above the eame 
point, and there are no roads for conimnnication to the ii>terior any higher up, except to the Mor- 
mon settlements on the Muddy, and these tind, at the present prices, the Central Pacific llailroad 
having been built, that it is better and cheaper to receive supplies via Salt Lake. Steamers run up 
now as far as .Mojave with (iovernment freight — occasionally as far as El Dorado Canon, where a 
small mining enterprise is being carried on. 

The proposition stands thus, so far as present means of information, which for all practicable 
uses are autheutic, tint in case any developmoats of the country call for it, the Colorado Itiver can 
be liavigateil by steamers as far as the old Indian crossing, about one and one-half miles below the 
foot of the Grand Canon; but that beyoiul it its waters can serve no beueQt to the internal com- 
munication or the gradual develoimuMit of its surrounding country except for purposes of irrigation. 

The reaching of the month of tlie Virgin has brought ns to the extreme southern end of the 
main line of the reconnaissance. The further continuance had to be controlled by the force at dis- 
posal, and the desire to gain all possible information while upon the ground, not alone for the sake 
of information and the full performance of dnty, but connected with it a lingering regard for the 
misfortunes of another, who possibly might be sent to examine this wild and desolate region, pro- 
vided this reconnaissance did not complete the required end. 

It appears that a renegade band of Navajo Indians have been in the habit of crossing the Col- 
orado at both La Paria and Ute Crossings, making raids upon the Mormon stock near St. George, 
and retreating by the same route. 

Provided the future develoi)ment of Southern Nevada calls for the establishment of a military 
l)ost, or posts, there are but few points at which this can be done. The direct lines through, as is 
shown, are but two in number. Upon one or the other of these such post, or posts, must be estab- 
lished, except further knowledge shows that some one point calls, on account of local, political, or 
strategic imi)ortance, for a post in its immediate vicinity. At Jleadow Valley, all that is rer|uired 
for the erection and sustenance of a post can be found. It is ((uite outside of the north and south 
lines of travel. On the line from Toano to the mouth of the Virgiu, there are really but four eligi- 
ble points— at Murray's Creek, Cave Camp, Pahranagat Valley, and the Muddy. Tiie finest of these 
positions, as regards central location and surrounding necessities, is Pahranagat. 

Although when we had reached the Colorado a great sense of relief came over us, that our recon- 
naissance line had been so far extended, yet it was well known by every one of the little party that 
the greater part of one of the hardest trips was yet before us. 

On the morning of the lid October we leave the mouth of the Virgin to thread our way, hugging 
the river as closely as possible, intending to follow this programui3 as far as El Djral > Canon, 
should circumstances permit. 

The first day out i)roveil a very disastrous and fatiguing one, and the night coming on found us 
in three parties, each in a sandy wash leading down to the river near Callvillc — some without water 
and with rations, others with water and no rations, and others again without either. We succeeded in 
getting together and reaching Callville by 1 ]). m. of the next day, with only the consolation of look- 
ing back and seeing that great ditliculties had been passed, while, turning to the other hand, as 
great ones stared ns in the face. 

OALLVILLE. 

This was originally started as a little Mormon landing, from whence stores coming to the river 
could be shipped to the settlements of Southern Utah, (^uite a large store-house and several stone 
shanties had been erected ; all were abandoned at the date of our arrival, adding desolation to ster- 
ility. There is no possible reason for regenerating the place, and whenever a stray traveler reaches 
these solitudes he will only see, as we have seen, the deserted store-houses and surrounding shanties. 

Here news from the party at Las Vegas ranch met us, ami also the intelligence that some grain 
had arrived at the mouth of Vegas wash — good news, since that purchased at St. Thomas had 



20 

become exbausteil, and beyond a little salt grass at tbe moiitli of tlie A'irgin, iiotbing bad beeu 
encouutered iu tbe way of forage. 

Tbe road down tbe Yirgiu from tbe conflaeuoe of tbeMiubly is not passable for beavy wagons 
in bigb water, on account of sbifting sands. At tbcse times a road upon tbe sand mesas to tbe 
westward will bave to be constructed. Tbis will be a rougb and sandy road. From tbe inoutb of 
Las Yegas "Wasb we liave before us tbe Black Butte, near w liicb Lieutenant Ives came witb bis 
boat at bis fartbest station upon tbe Colorado, wbile witb tbe river party. At tbis point tbere is a 
little sand island, around wbicb a small part of tbe river runs and again returns to tbe motber stream, 
collecting nuicb alkaline matter in its passage, lleacbing tbis. Lieutenant Ives judged tbat they 
bad found tbe moutb of the Virgin, and looking to the east and north, they saw tbe dark, bigb 
mountains, tbat seemed to say tbere lies no passage beyond, concluded that farther than this point 
no navigation of the Colorado could be effected. 

The mountain scenery in tbis locality, to my idea, was tbe most wild, picturesque, and pleasing 
of any tbat it has ever been my fortune to meet. Tbe walls of tbe Black Canon rise steep, dark, 
and sharp on tbe south and east, and to the northeast those of Boulder Canon, while tbe continua- 
tion of ranges leading to tbe north and northwest makes our station appear similar to tbat of a 
depression in a grand basin, from which escape seems diflicult in any direction. Tbe walls of 
Boulder Canon arc nearly perpendicular, from twelve to fifteen hundred feet in height. Tbe scene 
encountered upon reaching the river by moonlight was one of extreme loneliness and grandeur. 

The next morning those so fortunate as to return follow up the wasb to meet tbe train, in camp 
at Las Yegas, wbile tbe hardy party — pioneers of tbe last few day.s — have continued on tbe trail 
toward El Dorado Oaiion. A bard day's march in the burning sun is concluded, and night brings 
nothing save tbe certainty that no camp has been reached, and tbat no one knows where there is 
any water. We had been directed to some ambiguous place nearly one mile away from tbe trail 
-where it was said tbat it could be found, and flually, a little before midnight, we did find it — Lieu! 
tenant Lockwood and myself coming in somewhat later than the pack-train. Never was water more 
acceptable, though found in so drear a locality, high up among some dark volcanic-looking foot hills, 
npon which no one would suppose that raiu had ever fallen. 

During the day tbe surveying party bad gotten lost, and at night we did not know where they 
were— an affair that caused much uneasiness, as it would bave been little better than death if they 
bad followed any route except tbe one leading to Las Vegas. After reac hing El Dorado Canon, our 
apprehensions were quieted, and another party started out and came to tbat point. 

Strange as it may seem, there was a slight amount of wild bunch-grass, or '' bard-tack," as it is 
called, near at hand to our dismal camj), which, though very dry, offers some nourishment to the 
animals, that are allowed to graze till 10 a. m.; after which a brave start is made, and after winding 
in and out of canons and sandy washes, the mill at El Dorado CaQon is reached before nightfall. 
During tbe daj-, and while crossing several bigb divides, the river stretched out before us down be- 
low Cottonwood Island, and the mountains tbat follow down below Fort Mojave and to the east can 
be plainly seen. Tbe position of the post can also be nearly determined by the aid of a field-glass, 
although the distance was at least sixty miles. 

A day's rest was taken at the mouth of tbe canon to see if an y thing could be heard from the 
surveying party, and on the succeeding morning we start back and meet another party sent out 
from the " Yegas," at a little spring iu the canon, not very far from tbe niines. While at tbis point, 
a short time was taken to look at a few of the leads in 

El Dorado Disiuict. 

Before the war these mines had been the scene of some little excitement, which subsequently 
was broken up, and tbe camp nearly abandoned. About 1865 a revival was created, ami some of 
the mines bave since been worked. In 18G6 a company of troops were stationed near the mouth of 
tbe canon. The principal lead is tbe Tecbatticup, which has all the appearance of a true fissure- 
vein, though not very wide. The surface-showing of ores bave always assayed high ; those from 
the interior bave rich mineral indications, but at our coming, by the ordinary amalgamation pro- 
cess—the only one used— did not yield a large return. "Whether this resulted from mismanagement, 
or the fact that the process was poor and tbe mill old, it is ditticnlt to .say. Tbe vein-matter shows 



21 

galena, siili)lii(le of silver, anil copper pyrites. The .suli)liide of silver and what little chlorido is 
found are all that so far have yielded any return. In case that arrangements were made for roasting, 
it seems almost certain that this mine could he made productive. The facilities for mining are 
extremely unfortunate. Tlie mines arc in a perfect desert, without wood or water. Everytliing 
connected with their working is expensive, and must so continue until competition can be brought 
to l)ear upon facilitii's for transportation. 

The other mines in this district are comparatively undeveloped. Their nnmlier is legion, as is 
nearly always the case in mining sections. Every boulder that has a streak of mineral is likely to 
be located as a ledge, with all its dips and spurs, angles, &c. 

From this point we turn our backs to the far-famed Colorado, that should be known as the 
River of the Desert; winding its way here through steep and sterile canons, and there through 
arid and long-extended deserts, acting as an imperfect channel of communication, varying in 
velocity and \olnme. In my travels it has been my lot to cross it twice— at ."Mojaveand Fort 
Yuma— and to examine its character for nearly seventy miles from El Dorado Canon to the 
mouth of the Virgin, and when we looked back upon it for the last time no sense-was touched, 
save that of relief. 

During the day of October (Jth topographical parties have made the best use of the time, and 
the next day at 2 p. m. all start to join the main camp at Las Vegas. 

October Sth finds us all together agiin, a sorry-looking crowd, although the camp is a pleasant 
one. Nearly every one wishes to go by the Salt Lake road to Los Angeles— by far the easiest route, 
as by going to the northward at the time of reaching the latitude of White Tine it was exi)ected to 
find mndi frost and snow. The fixed resolution of going back on this line was still persisted in 
by myself, although it seemed a thing almost impossible, considering the state of the transporta- 
tion. However, as it was necessary to send to Fort Mojave for supplies, it was thought best to 
forward a requisition for mules. Four were received, and these, in connection with the six captured 
from the Mormons, greatly recuperated our worn-out train. 

While remaining at this camp a reconnaissance was made toward Potosi Mountain, in vicinity 
of Salt Lake road ; one along the Vegas wash, and another to northwest along the range known 
as Spring ^Mountain range. I was in charge of the latter, and had left instructions lor the train to 
meet our small party at Indian Springs. The reconnaissance to the west and south was (conducted 
in charge of Lieutenant Lockwood as far as the old Potosi, now known as the Yellow Pine District. 
A description of this district appears in the preliminary report of 1S71. 

The Indians iu the vicinity of Las A'egas are the Pah-Utes, and vary in numbers from fifty or 
sixty to one hundred and fifty or two hundred, according as they see fit to live in the valley, or 
keep to the mountains. Some of these at times make their wick eups about El Dorado Canon, 
and again a t'cw near Cottonwood Island, on the river ; while the most of these same Indians are 
found in the mountains of the Spring ^Mountain range, and to the northwest from the Vegas, 
numbering as high as three or four hundred, all told. As some of these Indians could speak Sho- 
shone, it was concluded that our guide would be able to gather from some of them information about 
getting north from Indian Springs. The result proved quite fortunate in giving us a knowledge ot 
one of the worst forced marches of the trip. 

During this detour quite an amount of mineral cropping was discovered by some members of 
the party. The section was designated as the Timber Mountain District in consequence of its close 
proximity to a large quantity of very fine pine timber, high up on the mountains. Ttie croppings 
were galena, chloride of silver, and pyrites, with indications of gold. The ledges, iu some instances, 
were large and well defined. The chances for mining were comparatively good. The develop- 
ment of mines so far remote must depend upon time and increased facilities of inland transporta- 
tion. If a railroad is built through Southeastern Nevada, a mineral section will be developed not 
to be equaled on this coast, throw ing open chances for legitimate mining operations, where capital, 
used with judgment, will ultimately prove a profitable investment. The building of the 35th 
parallel road will improve and render quite accessible some of the mining prospects of this 
latitude. 

Intelligence received from the camp at Las Vegas, upon our arrival at Indian Springs, told of 
the desertion of two men and the loss of five of our best animals. This further crippling of our 



22 

wasted force of animals was so disheartening tliat it appeared almost impossible to attempt tlie trip 
to the north, as all of them were growing weaker each day from the effect of eating the young salt 
grass at Las Vegas. 

Having found some fine bunch-grass about seven miles distant from Indian Spring, orders were 
sent back for tbe wagons to come on to this point, and they did so, reaching it on the evening of 
the 22d October. The animals were sent to the mountains to graze, and all our energies gathered 
for a severe march. To make this, a division into four parties was effected, as at two of the springs 
it was known there was not enough water for more than six or eight animals. 

On the evening of the 28th October the first party moved out of camp, each one with a feeling of 
uncertainty as to the success of getting through with the teams. During the next day the second 
and third parties left, and on the following day the last. The march for seven or eight miles from 
Indian Spring was across an alkali flat, which became almost impassable in consequence of a rain 
that had -commenced some few hours before the starting of the last partj-. Tins party traveled till 
midnight, when the animals being badly worn out, a halt was made for a few hours. The next day at 
1 p. m., Quavtz Spring was reached. Tbe inarch to this point had been across alkali flats, sandy 
washes, and broken mesas. A more thoroughly horrible road could not be imagined. 

Resting for about one hour at Quartz Spring — a little spring some one and one-half miles up a 
canon from the sandy wash in which the road runs, and from which eighteen small backets of water 
were obtained — it was considered better to ride on to ascertain how good luck the advance parties 
were having. This was done, and, on the night of the 2d November, Crescent Mill, to the west- 
ward of Pahranagat, was reached, from which point the advance party had gone on for seven or 
eight miles to a place where there was more water and grass. The animals of the second and third 
parties were driven in during the night to get water, having become too much exhausted to drag in 
the wagons. The distance from Indian Spring to Crescent Mill is nearly ninety miles, and may be 
looked upon as a desert for the entire distance, as at the two springs the amount of water obtained 
was not so great as that taken along in casks and kegs. The grades are mostly ascending. The 
sandy washes and broken character of tbe road render it a very disastrous route for anything like 
heavy-laden teams. Our wagons could never have gone through except for the dividing up and 
consequent good management, and not even then, except that from twelve to fifteen hundred pounds 
of surplus materials were thrown away at Indian Spring. Much credit was due to every one con- 
nected with the command for the energy and perseverance in this desert trip, which, being the 
most difiicult of the season, was taken after long and protracted hardships during a summer's stay 
in the mountains. 

Finally, on November i, all the train succeeded in making camp at Schafer's Springs ; a weary, 
dirty-looking set, worse in appearance than emigrants. 

Considering that Lieutenant Lockwood had not been able to visit the mines in Pahranagat 
District during his passage to the south, and as we were very near to them while at Crescent Mill, 
it was considered advisable to make a hasty visit while the teams were in camp, for the purpose 
of recuperating. This route was through Logan Springs to Silver Canon, where are situated most 
of the buildings belonging to the Hyko Silver Mining Company, engaged in mining on a large 
scale. 

This trip afforded many new hints. This company own nearly all the mines in the district, and 
leads that stretch over a distance of five miles. Tbe general direction of the most of these is nearly 
north and south, while many feeders, chimneys, wings, and cross-veins exist that, when developed, 
run into the mother vein. Tbe Illinois and Indiana were the leads most worked, and those showed 
well defined walls at a depth of nearly 300 feet. The ore is low grade, but of large amount. 
Much money has been spent in the enterprise, with, so far, little return. One of tbe finest ten- 
stamp mills in tbe State has been put up at Hyko. Everything connected with the mining of the 
ore is conducted in tbe best manner. Tiie expense of hauling the ore to ITyko, a distance of about 
ten miles, and wood also, brings the price of roasting so high that both together eat np all the 
profit. An attemi)t was being made to find water in Silver Cafion, and a depth of ninety-seven 
feet had been reached. 

A hasty trip was made to Hyko and down Pahranagat Valley toward the lake, as it was desirable 
to learn more with regard to the valley that, by common consent, is considered as the most fertile 



23 

ill Southeiu Nevada. Tho little town of Iljko is at tbe head of the valley, practically so, since the 
Jiead has to be taken at the commencement of arable land, determined, in this case, by the appear- 
ance of a large spring, tho water of which brings the land into a state fit for cnltivation. There is 
qnite a strip of line vegetable mold farther up that can never be made nse of for want of irrigation. 
This is covered with a Inxurient growth of sage-brnsb. 

It has been noted that, throughout Nevada, wherevi-r the sage brush grows thick and to a 
large size, the soil underneath is susceptible of the highest cultivation. Unfortunately, however, 
water is lacking in most of these localities, except at some future day artesian wells develop the 
existence of large basins of water in the valley depressions. The mesas from tho east side of the 
I'ahranagat range como down so closely upon the valley that it is rendered quite narrow, but 
what there is of it is extremely fertile. The length is something over tliirty miles, and width 
from three-fourths to one and one-half miles. The land-surveys show that there is from liftcen 
to eighteen thousand acres of laiul subject to cultivation. This is an amount not equalled by any 
other valley encountered in our travels, except lUiby Valley. There are three largo springs that 
rise suddenly out of the ground, showing powerful subterranean force. The amouii ts of water are 
sufficient for the irrigation of all that part of the valley necessary to be irrigated. Some parts 
saturated continually need no irrigation. Adobes can be made lor buildings. Wood is not plenty, 
and must come from the neighboring hills. Buuch-grass is found on the foot-hills at the lower end 
of the valley. The valley-grass in some parts is salt grass; in others, the " blue-joint" appears. 
Cattle thrive nixm any of it when acclimated. Stopping at several of the ranches, I was much sur- 
l)rised at .seeing such luxuriance of vegetation ; vegetables were especially large, both in size and 
production, and excellent in quality. 

The approximate area of agricultural laud in the valleys traversed by our parties is two hun- 
dred and tilty square miles, showing tho great scarcity of arable land. It a[)pears certain that 
lands in Sontheastern Nevada lit for agricultural production will, in time, be valuable. 

A return to our camp at Schafer's S[>rings is made, ami orders given for the train to move on 
as far as Quinu Canon, the next stopping-place. Meanwhile a detour is made for the purpose of 
obtaining topography of and information in regard to the 

Xm-PAH-UTE MINKS. 

These are situated in the southern end of a short detached range to the northeast from Tini- 
Tah-Ute Peak, and to tho west of the head of Tahranagat Valley. Tiieir surface-showing is 
very tine, and the ores assay very rich. The slight developments made determined nothing as to 
the surety of the development of a fissure vein or veins. Tbe opportunities for mining and milling 
are not convenient, but, on the other hand, very difficult. The nearest water is Tick-a-boo Springs, 
some eight miles distant. 

The Crescent; Mill, sixteen miles from tho mines, had .just completed arrangements, at that 
time, to mill their ore. The nearest approach from the vicinity of Wliite Pine is vIk Quinu Canon 
directly down an alkali valley to the west of the mines, and the distance is approximately one hun- 
dred and fifty miles. But a slight amount of capital bad been employed up to tbe time of our 
arrival. The chances seem very favorable in this district for the future. Considerable sulphide 
of silver is here found, and very little base metal. 

GR003I DISTRICT. 

This is situated to tbe south and west from Tim-Pah-Ute Peak, and is one vast deposit of 
galena, so far as all accounts can be trusted. It was not visited for want of time and means. 

This district was not being worked by any miners in November last, but I understand that SHice 
that tinu» parties have goui there to make some developments. The chances for mining are favor- 
able ; wood and water are sntliciently plenty, and timber enough for all requirements. 

These galena ores are assuming quite a respectable status among mining schemes, and the 
future will o\wu to them a histoiy unknown to the pa=<t. Good results may be looked for, and 



24 

wbat the Indians have called " bullets," and the Mormons " lead," will pi-ove, under the hand of 
true American industry, to contain large amounts of that power that rules the prosperity of peoples 
— money. 

A hasty return to our camp at Quinn Cafiou is mide, which we reach on the 9th of November. 
The animals are resting, and parties are out among the hills gaining information. Uere we find 
barley that had been placed on store in August last, and which proves remarkably acceptable, con- 
sidering the worn-out condition of the team animals. 

The road from Crescent Mill to Quinn Caiion has been more than an average of fair mountain- 
road. Xot so the one from Indian Spring to the first-mentioned place, which was a succession of 
washes, sand stretches, and alkali fiats. The bunch-grass, that is still found in spots, more fre- 
quently higher among the hills than the ordinary traveled route, had become so very dry that it 
seemed almost worthless for the animals when they could get it. The occasion for this has resulted 
from the extreme dryness of the season. This grass, however, appears to retain its saccharine and 
uourishiug qualities, no matter what the degree of dryness. 

From Quinn Canon Lieutenant Lockwood took a small party to make a detour via Reveille and 
Hot Creek, and thence return and meet us at Monte Christo Mill, opposite White Pine; while the 
wagons approached the same point by following up Railroad Valley. This is a long, wide, sterile 
and alkaline valley, stretching far to the south from where we debouched into it opposite Quinn 
Canon. The laud that is fit for ranching is extremely small in amount, the greater iiart of which 
is in the vicinity of Duck Water, on the western side, while our line of travel was nearer to the 
eastern side. To the west of the valley extends the Pancake range, that merges about opposite 
White Pine into the Diamond range, that follows farther on to the railroad, making a natural trend 
of valleys, with almost insensible divides, from Peko, on the Central Pacific Railroad, to far below 
the Reveille District. This avenue, as a natural route for a railway, cannot be surpassed ; but 
where the railroad would go, in case of its being built, after leaving Railroad Valley, is a subject 
worthy of close investigation. 

Rapid marching was made, and Monte Christo Mill reached on the evening of the 16th Novem- 
ber. We had couie to what appeared to us as considerable civilization, when we were within a few 
hours' travel of the White Pine settlements— having been so long without receiving letters or much 
of any sort of intelligence. Here letters and friends were found, and newspapers, too. No one who 
has not tried the mountains for a long and tedious time can tell how acceptable all these are. Lieu- 
tenant Lockwood and his party arrived late on the evening of the ISth. 

Telegraphing for the rate of the chronometers, conducted in a similar manner as in the pre- 
cediiig season, was consummated during the night of the 19th. 

On the succeeding morning the train moved out on the stage-road to Elko. Hasty marching 
was made to the telegraph station on the old overland road, from which point a surveying party 
was detached to go through Ruby Valley to Camp Halleck, to get i)Osition of the road and ranches 
along the valley, and as much further topography as possible, while the teams, hugging the 
western side of the Humboldt range, follow for awhile the stage-road, and then a road that 
detours by Lamoile Creek, reaching Camp Halleck in a severe snow-storm on the evening of the 
25th of November. 

The next day everything was packed, the property turned over, and, during the succeeding 
night those of us who were to return to San Francisco reached Halleck Station, where, taking the 
westward train on the morning of the 27th, San Francisco was reached on the eve of the 2Sth of 
November. 

KECAPITULATION. 

By reference to the accompanying map, the extent of the reconnaissance is easily traced, and 
its area found to embrace, approximately, 2G,.500 square miles. Of this no accurate mapping had 
been made below the latitude (39^ 15') of White Pine. The length of the reconnaissance-line in all 
its detours is 2,210 miles. 

The final map, will be completed upon a scale as large as one inch to eight mih's. 

The astronomical observations, taken altogether at some fifty stations, have been of such a 



25 

cliaractei- as to dctciniiin; the lalitiulc to fiaetioiuil i)aits of a iniiiiito in arc; wliik' at points 
wliere tho telegraph could bo used, more satisfactoiy results liave. beeu attained with regard to 
longitude ; below ^Vllite Pine these positions are only apiiroximate, depending upon the equability 
of the rate of the ehrouonieters. 

NATURE Ol" TILE KECONNAISSANCE. 

The intention has been that the information collected shall be of as great practical value as 
possible, showiug u|iou the map, besides the general top()gia[>liical features, all tlie present exist- 
ing roads, with tables giving distances between stations, the character of the roads, &c., streams 
and springs, the spots at which timber exists, the height of noticeable mountain ranges, peaks, &c. 

The basis of the recounaissance has beeu the actual road traveised, careluily meanderi-d; the 
distances being taken by odometers that can bedeiiended upon to a vaiiation not exceeding two i)er 
cent. The positions of the camps, as thus determined, have been moditied from the results of the 
astronomical work. In many cases, from the tops of prominent i)eaks that luid beeu carefully 
located, directions were taken to other i>rominent peaks, far in the distance; thus accomplishiug 
a trigonometric connection. 

Meteorological observatious have beeu takeu, so as to be used in connect ion with the obtaiu- 
ing of altitudes, and for such general information as their discussion will develop. At six or seven 
points these have been taken hourly, and at intervals exteudiug from forty-eight to uinety-six 
hours. 

Aneroid barometers, coin|iared each day with cistern barometers, have been used with good 
success to give data for determining a rough luolile of routes traversed. 

The natural trend of the mountain chains and valleys is seen to be north and south, varied 
lu're ami there by a break in the wave-motion of the great force that first created the upheaval — 
showing at these points lateral (livergen(-es, giving more dillicidt divides from one valley to 
another, and every variety of hill and ravim^ coutour. This is, perhaps, the most noticeable iu 
the vicinities of the White Pine and Pahranagat ranges. 

The valleys traversed were twenty-three iu unmber, as follows: Huntington, Ituby, White 
Pine, Long, Steptoe, Cave, Desert, Meadow, Spring, Snake, Lake, Pahranagat, Kose, Cedar, Eagle, 
Dry, Clover, ^Meadow, ^"egas, Coal, Sierra, Railroad, and Alkali. 

Eighteen mining districts were visited, that lie withiu the ana eiiil)iace(l by our route, as 
luliows: Cave, White Pine, Ivobinson, Patterson, Sacramento, Snake, Shoshone, Ely, El Dorado, 
Yellow Pine, Timber .^lountain, Hercules, TimPah-LTte, Pahranagat, Reveille, Hot Creek, Morey, 
and Grant. Slight glances at their character, and a somewhat general descrijition of each, is giveu 
in the body of the report. There are really two distinct and somewhat jiarallel lines: One, 
leaving the railroad near Toaua, bears southward through Ste])toe \'alley, via Cave and Pahrana- 
gat Valleys, aud thence along the Muddy and Virgin Rivers to the Colorado; theuce by a prospect- 
ive route till some ]ioint on the military road from Mojave to Presrott is reached. The other, leav- 
ing the railroad at lOlko, passes west of Hamilton, down Railroad Valley, thence, via Crescent 
Mill, Indian Springs, Las Vegas, and Hardy ville, to the same military road. 

If any route is ever used as a through line of travel, either as a railroad ov as a country road, 
for any heavy transiiortation, it nuist be the one crossing the Colorado at the mouth of the Virgin. 
The more westerly line is comi)ar,itively a desert all the way to Hardyville, after White I'ine is 
reached. 

IJy a reference to the tables, it will appear that the distance from Toano, ou the Central Pacific 
Railroad, to I'rescott, Ariz., on the natural route of travel, is live hundred aud fifty eight miles; 
while from Elko, a point farther south on the railroad, by a nu>re westerly route, it is six hundred 
and forty one miles, giving an advantage of l.j per cent, to the former in distance alone. The 
other advantages, such as better roads, camps with better accommodations in regard to wood, 
water, aud grass, and fewer de-sert marches, are superior to the one above mentioned. Provided 
the road can be made through from the mouth of the Virgin, loaded wagons can reach Camp Toll- 
tiate from the Ceutral Pacific Railroad in twenty or twenty-one days actual travel ; while, on the 
other route, it Mould take at least twcnty-niue or thirty days, aud longer intervals at stoppiug- 
i w 



26 

places, for rest, ou tbe route. Government stores freighted on such a Hue would cost, delivered at 
Camp TollGate, 12J cents per pound for the freight, reckoning at the rate of 2J cents per pound 
for every hundred miles, which would naturally he about the average contract price. At present 
the contract price for freight via the mouth of the Colorado to Fort Mojave is 3g cents per pound, 
and from thence by land to Camp TollGate 4J cents, making a total cost of transportation from 
San Francisco of 8^ cents per pound. 

It is likely that more than two-thirds of the gross weight of commissary and quartermaster 
stores that go into Arizona are^ purchased in San Francisco. In addition, then, to the 12^ cents 
per pound, necessary to pay freight to Camp TollGate, would have to be added the cost of freight- 
ing to some point on the Central Pacific Eailroad from San Francisco, or an addition of 2i cents, 
making 1.5 cents per pound total cost. From this it clearly appears that supplies cannot be 
forwarded ou any such line to posts in Northern Arizona, provided they are purchased in San 
Francisco. 

The saving in cost of purchase in Chicago, and subsequent shipping to some point on the 
Central Pacific Eailroad selected as a depot, are subjects upon which even approximate estimates 
cannot be made, since the data are not at my disposal. There could be a saving made, after the 
route is opened, by stopping recruits for Northern Arizona at some point on the railroad, and 
having them march overland. This would come from the saving iu transportation from said point 
on the Central Pacific Eailroad to Sau Francisco, and thence to Wilmington, Cal., via steamer-j-an 
amount for each recruit of about $50, coin. We will suppose that there are four hundred recruits 
X)er year to be distributed ; this would result in a saving of .$20,000. 

AGKICULTURAI. LANDS. 

These are so few in number and limited iu amount, that, although the Euby Valley meridian 
has been carried to the south as far as the California boundary, still there have been very few 
places at which sectionizing has yet been called for. Pahranagat Valley has been sectiouized by 
these parties, and, upon our return to the vicinity of White Pine, they were at work surveying on 
White Eivcr to tbe east of tlie mountains iu which the Grant district is situated. 

There is a strip lying contiguous to our easterly line that will call for surveys in the future. 
These lands will be principally in Steptoe, Spring, Desert, Cedar, Eagle, Eose, IMeadow, and Clover 
Valleys, also those upon the Muddy. 

MINERAL-BELTS. 

Through the section traversed there seem to be four distinct and well-defined miueral-belts, 
following a general northerly and southerly course along prominent mountain-ranges. Tiie most 
westerly of these commences on the north with the Diamond range, in which Mineral Hill and 
Pinto Districts are found. In continuation of this range the Eureka District is encountered — a place 
of note. Specimens of ore seen at Hamilton were very fine, and the bulk of legitimate reports 
seem favorable. 

Going to the south, Morey and Hot Creek are reached, beiug iu the Hot Creek range. Eeveille 
District is also due south, but in different mountains. Then comes a desert, unexplored strip, 
unknown to white men, and but little inhabited by Indians. The old Amargosa mines lie in this 
same southern trend ; also several districts in luyou County, California. 

Tlie next belt commences with tiie mines in the Humboldt range — the only ones of any interest 
beiug iu the Cave District facing ou to Euby Valley. Along in order come White Pine, Grant, 
Pahranagat, Tim-Pah-ute, Groom, Timber Mountain, and Yellow Pine, also the Clark District, to 
the south of Yellow Pine and in California. 

Tlie third belt commencies at Egan Canon, and following the rauge of that name, contains the 
Hercules and Eobinson Districts. Going due south the ranges are not so well defined, and nothing 
is met with until El Dorado District is reached. It is believed that there are mineral-showings iu 
the Egan rauge to the northward of Egan Canon, and before the railroad is reached. 

The fourth belt is found mainly iu the Schell Creek rauge. The first known are those in 
Nevada District; then comes the Patterson, from whence the mountains bear a little to the east of 



27 

soiitli, and tlio Ely mines are in a breakotf from this range. To the sontli, and loUowing this 
trend, no gold or silver mines are known between tbe above point and the Colorado. Copper shows 
itself at one or two points. 

Those mines, inelnding the Sacramento, Snake, Shoshone, and Silver Park Districts, that com 
mence in the Snake range, and follow down along the Fortification Hills, seem to be a short, detached 
belt, not so far ext(>nded as the others. Above the Nevada, and on the Sehell Creek range, some 
mineral-districts have been found, but few developments are yet known. 

It is more than probable that if the general view of the topography north of the railroad is dis 
cussed, these same belts, or a i>art of them, will be found to extend far to the northward, follnwing 
the general structure and trend of the noticeable eliains of mountains; while below the Colorado, 
as soon as better topography is obtained, no doubt their existence ami continuation can be traced. 
A number of prospectors have at one time and another run over these mountains, only the 
more energetic of them striking into the rougher parts, where lies the exposure of the mineral. 
For a long time to come new discoveries will be made, all tending to give a more definite char- 
acter and continuity of (lirection to the mineral belts described. 

IISDIANS. 

The various tribes that were encountered are as follows: SIioshoues,Gosiutes, Snakes, Pahvants, 
Utes, and Pah-Utes. For their numbers and general information acquired, I am indebted to the 
guide and interpi'cter. 

Tlie Slioshones are rpiite numerous, extending over a large section of country to the .south of 
the Humboldt as far east as the mcriilian of mountains to cast of Kuby Valley, and as far south 
as 37 degrees 30 minutes of latitude. Small parties of them were seen at Halleck, Elko, l!ul)y 
Valley, and White Pine. 

The Gosiutes are farther to the eastward and northeast, and extend as far south as the 3Sth 
parallel. 

Again, to the east are the Snakes, closely analogous in disposition, and occupying a narrow 
longitiulinal slii). 

The Pahvants are found only after the Utah line is passed, and most of them are to the east 
and southeast of Preuss Lake — our farthest .station in that direction. 

The Indians between Snake and :\leadow Valleys are an intermingling of Snakes, or Utes 
proper, and Pah-Utes, possessing no peculiarities of either, except the treachery of both to a height- 
ened degree. 

On our return trip, the Shoshones weie met again in the vicinity of Tim-Pah-Ute Mountains. 

The number of Indians actually seen or accounted for, after leaving White Pine, was a little 
less than I.',."'*'*'- 'i''*^ l»>lk of these were not included in the treaty made by Governor Nye in 1S(J3 
in K'uby Valley, and have never received any presents. I believe that the greater share of them 
could be, to a certain extent, domesticated npon one reservation, if projierly controlled. In their 
present state, si)eaking of those below the o8th degree of latitude, the springing up of an intelligent 
and warlike chief would band them together, and for a time, if there was no military interference, 
the lives and ])roperties of the settlers would be in danger. 

ELEVATIONS A^U PROFILE LINE. 

The highest ranges of mountains encountered were the Humboldt and Spring Mountain ranges 
— some of the peaks of the former approaching 13,000, while one of the latter nearly reaches 12,000 
feet. Very few of the other noticeable ranges have peaks that show an elevation beyond 8,.">00 
feet; yet the marked force of the upheaval is as plainly seen, while the accumulation of power at 
particular points is wanting. The foot-hills on either side show a marked ditterence, tho.se of the 
western slope having greater horizontal extension, lesser grades, more grass, wood, and timber. 
This is due to the tilting of the strata, that, inclining to the westward, present the upturned edges 
of the rock to the denuding force. The eastern slopes, on the other hand, arc sharp and abrupt, 
showing sandy washes and rough canons, generally devoid of foliage and vegetation. 

The raUcij elevation of the Humboldt near Elko is about 5,100 feet. This increases going 



28 

soiithwanl, uutil tbe divide of the watersheds between the Humboldt or apart of the great interior 
basin from tbat of the Colorado is reached. In the direct line south, this is in vicinity of 
White Pine. Prom this point the decrease of elevation is quite gradual until about latitude 38 
degrees is reached. From tbis point on to 30 degrees 30 minutes, the fall is more abrupt, while, 
reaching El Dorado Cauou on the Colorado, we have passed from an elevation of over 6,000 feet to 
a little less than 000 feet. This fall of itself would necessitate no remarkable grades ; these, where 
found, are near the break of the general mountain trends, appearing as steep divides between con- 
tiguous valleys. 

NAVIGATION OF THE COLORADO. 

The body of the report presents the idea that this stream may be navigated, to good practical 
success, as far as the foot of the Grand Canon. The future, for a long number of years, will hardly 
call for anything of the sort higher than the mouth of the Virgin. 

It is jiossible that, in case Mormon settlements ai-e pushed into Northern Arizona, the route 
will be by following the grand wash leading from the vicinity of Saint George to the above-named 
crossing, or at the mouth of Paria Creek, and that, for supplying points to the southward, ship- 
ments may come via the river. 

MEANS OF COMlVIUNinATION. 

On the easterly line of the reconnaissance the roads were more than a fair average of mountain 
roads, until the Valley of the Virgin was reached — superior, in many respects, to the variety of 
roads found in Southern California and Arizona. The approach to the desert on either hand brings 
with it sandy roads, washes, alkali tlats, and sloughs. 

On this line a railroad can be successfullj- run to the Colorado Eiver. On the more westerly line 
such a railroad, if intended to be a through coniinunication to the 35tli parallel road, in event of 
the latter being built, must join the same at some point west of the Colorado Eiver. On this line 
the road is generally good till White Pine is reached. The same holds good while traversing 
Kailroad Valley. Upon leaving tbis valley, the route follows a good road, principally ui)on tlie 
mesa, till its arrival at Crescent Mill ; tlien comes some of the worst of desert travel. 

The divide necessary to be crossed by a railroad in going from Elko via White Pine and Eail- 
road Valley, in order to reach a valley necessary to continue on and come out by Indian Spring 
and Vegas Valley, will be a very serious one. It will be necessary to cross a continuation of the 
White Pine range at a point Just below Grant District, or immediately below (^ninn Cafion, 
either of which shows sharp profiles. 

In conclusion, I wish to express my thanks to all the members of the expedition lor the able 
and satisfactory manner in which they have assisted in the iierformance of tlie duties entrusted 
to my charge. 



DESCRIPTION OF THE RECONNAISSANCE. 



The comniencoiiu'iil liMvinj;- been in tlio early pjvrt of June and the termination in the hitter 
part of November, nearly six months were oeenpied in prcb'minary and actual lield labor, which 
proved a propitious season, considerinj;' the varied ehanses of temperature in sonic of the more 
northerly sections near to, an«l north of, the latitude of White Pine. In this vicinity the winters 
are very severe, especially in localities having' a high altitude, while the summers are delifjhtful, 
e.\cei>t at some few ])laces at which fogs and winds ])revail. 

The melting of the snows in spring furnishes water in abundance for the wants of vegetation, 
and the bunch-grass, so common among the hills, is in its best condition. Our return-trip brought 
us again to this region prior to the harsh snows and severe temperatures of the coming winter ; 
while the time at which tlie immediate desert of the ("ohnado was reached (in October) was too 
late for the glaring and continuous heat of the midsummer days. 

The greater actual acciuacy of prominent points of the survey is in the area north of White 
I'ine, since the four positions at which longitude by tclegra|)h was obtained form the ground- 
work, while the lines that act as bases, going toward the Colorado, are nearly north and south, 
giving fewer chances for a great error in longitude, where alone errors of any cousiderable mag- 
nitude arise. 

The use of the little Held tlieodolite, constructed especially for reconnaissance-work, has proven 
to be such a great improvement that very little chairge between the positions, as obtained from 
the results of the astronomical work and the meanders, was necessary to be made. The porta- 
bility of the instrument ami the accuracy of its readings recommeml it at once as an almost indis. 
pensable article for exploring parties, and to their use the accuracy of the i)re.sent reconnaissance 
has been greatly due. 

The daily march varied Irom ten to thirty miles; the survey parties, in extreme cases, have 
been managed independently of the main party, falling back upon it for supplies. 

The traveled roads or trails, carefully meandered and measured by odometers, form the base- 
line for the triangulated points, the stations never exceeding two or two and a half miles apart, 
and such distances only occurring in valleys where the road was nearly straigiit. 

The magnetic bearings were corrected by tiiuling the variation of the needle at every camp. 

The heights of the |iromineut peaks ha\e generally been determined l)y using angles of eleva- 
tion taken from |)oints on the base-line, the elevations of which have been determined from baro- 
metric work. This has been tnodified at points where peaks could be ascended, and here barometric 
readings have been used, and advantage of such occasions has been taken to triangulate to distant 
peaks that, at times, could be distinctly deliued against the horizon at a distance of one humlrcd 
ami tifty miles. Stone monuments have been erected at these stations as reference-jioints for the 
futnie. 

The necessities of the march and the desire to travers(! as large an area as possil)lc have 
caused in some cases a deliciency of topograi)hical detail, while, on the other hand, the general 
features as regards positions of prominent points, and practical information, are of a sufficiently 
accurate nature to answer all present wants. 

PERSONNEL. 

First Lieut. George M. Wheeler, Corps of Engineers, in charge ; First Lieut. D. W. Lock- 
wood, Corps of Engineers, executive oflicer ami astronomical assistant; 1'. W. llamel, principal 



30 

topographer; Carl Easkopfif, assistant topographer; C. E. Fellerer, assistant; Wm. M. Ord, 
assistant, with the necessary number of guides, packers, laborers, &c., and an escort of two non- 
commissioned officers and twenty-three enlisted men of Company H, Eighth United States Cavalry. 

LONGITUDE BY TELEGEAPH. 

While sextants and chronometers are the most accurate instruments that can be readily trans- 
ported by parties moving rapidly in the field, and latitude can be determined sufficiently accurate 
for ordinary practical purposes by their use, the question of longitude is exceedingly uncertain, 
since so very strange are some of the inaccuracies of rate in the chi'onometers that, no matter how 
many are used, the results must be accepted with caution. Being well aware of these facts, 
arrangements were made, while preparing for the season's work, to take advantage of the telegraph, 
to find out at any moment the local errors of the chronometers upon Sau Francisco time. It was 
deemed possible to accomplish this at four points, viz, Elko, Peko, Euby, and Hamilton. With 
the two latter places the lines of the Western Union Telegraph Company connect, and through 
the kindness of the managers at San Francisco, Messrs. Mumford, Ladd, and Yountz, i)ermission 
was granted for the use of their lines, and a letter of instructions to their agents in Euby Valley 
and Hamilton was furnished ; besides, they very kindly arranged,through Mr. Yaudenberg, at Sac- 
ramento, the superintendent of the lines of the Central Pacific Eailroad, to connect, so that a com- 
plete circuit should exist between San Francisco and points on the Central Pacific Eailroad, near 
Camp Hiilleck. Prof. George Davidson, United States Coast Survey, whose kindness in this 
matter is worthy of many thanks, offered to take charge of the signals at Sau Francisco, but he 
was obliged to start on his trip to the North to observe during the solar eclipse. Prior to our 
reaching Camp Halleck, Maj. H. M. Eobert, Corps of Engineers, having been spoken to upon this 
matter, his co operation was at once enlisted, and, out of the five times that telegraphing was done, 
he was at the key during four of them; the other, being the one at Elko, was superintended 
through the kindness of Capt. H. J. Eogers, United States Coast Survey. 

The scheme for attaining accuracy in the recording of the signals was furnished by Professor 
Davidson, of the Coast Survey, a copy of which is herewith given. 

PROGKAMME TOR DETERMINATION OF DIFFERENCE OF LONGITUDE BY TELEGRAPH BETWEEN SAN 
FRANCISCO, CAL., AND STATIONS IN NEVADA— PROPOSED BY PROF. GEORGE DAVIDSON, UNITED 
STATES COAST SURVEY. 

Lieutenant Wheeler to telegraph to San Francisco immediately upon Lis arrival at any station, 
and say when he will be ready to receive signals. 

To receive them he will have his chronometer ready at the telegraph-office. When Professor 
Davidson or Major Eobert is ready, he will send message to Elko, or the station, to that effect, 
and, after preliminaries, for a few minutes will carry out the following programme: Professor Da- 
vidson or INfajor Eobert : Battle, rattle, rattle ; interval of fifteen seconds ; then transmit one signal 
of which Lieutenant Wheeler must note the time by his chronometer; a second signal fifteen 
.seconds later, and so on, one signal every fifteen seconds for three minutes, then three rattles to 
close. 

Then Lieutenant Wheeler will send to Professor Davidson or Jlajor Eobert a similar set of 
sigiuils at given times, of fifteen seconds apart, for three minutes by his chronometer. Professor 
Davidson or Major Eobert will then send San Francisco time of his first and last sigual, also the 
error of his chronometer on San Francisco time. 

Lieutenant Wheeler will send his chronometer time of first and last signals and the error of 
his chronometer, if obtained ; if not known, then he will transmit it by rail as soon as ascertained. 

When Lieutenant Wheeler returns from his trip this programme can be repeated previous to 
his return to-San Francisco. 

The above scheme has been carried out, and the following tables show the details ot the 
results : 



31 



Signals for loHsitiide by telegraph between Peko, A'ew., and San Fiaueuco, Cal., June 30, 18C9— 9.30 to 10.20 j;. hi. 



18B9. 
June 30 



Station. 



Peko, Nev . 



S = ''■ 

SMS 
a i^ it 

<- ' 2 
„ '^ 9 



h. m. s. 
10 32 0. 



.2p=i 



10 35 0. 



7/. m. «. 

10 31 30.2 

10 31 51.3 

33 06. 4 

32 21.3 

32 3C. 9 

32 ol. 2 

33 06. 1 
.13 21. 2 

33 36. 3 
.13 51. 1 

34 06. 1 
34 21.2 

10 34 36. 2 
Mean. 






Remarks. 



«. 

23.8 
23.7 
23.6 
23.7 
23.8 
23.8 
23.0 
23.8 
23.7 
23.9 
23.9 
23.8 
23.8 
23.8 






Tlirough repeaters at Wartsworth, Nev. 
Eittiniated delay tliioujjh one set of repeateis -- 

0".04. 
Operator at Peko, Mr. Wooil ; operator at San 

Francisco, Major Robert, IT. S. Enjiineers, uu«l 

nnkuown. 
Mayor Robert's time slow of San Francisco mean 

time at time of observation = 24".0. 
23". 8 + 24". 5 = 48" .3 chronometer 12^3 slow on 

San Francisco nie.in time. 



1869. 
Joue 30 



'£ 



San Francisco 



San Francisco 
Peko, Nev . . . 



A. m. a. 
ID 33 30.00 
10 33 6. 20 



a 



li. in. 8. 
+0 24. 50 
+0 28 25. 59 



/{. in. 8. 

10 33 54. 50 

11 1 31.79 



£ 

i 
A 



h. m. 8. 



2T 37. 29 i -0. 04 



Longitude of San Francisco - 

Correction of chronometer for midnight of June 30, +28" 25'.49 ; rate, 2«.40 gaining per day 

Final difference of longitude for Peko, Nev 

Or 



Means. 



7 42 0. 96 
U5<'30'14".50 



q9 



Siyiiah for longitude hij telcgraj'h between Elko, Stv., and Sun Fruncisco, Cat., July 1, 1869. 



Date. 


Station. 


Time of transmitlal, 
by Major Kobert's 
chronometer. 


Time of receivnl, by 
Lieutenant Wheel- 
er's chronometer. 


s 


Remarks. 


1869. 






/(. m. fi. 


h. m. s. 




s. 




July 1 


Elko Nev 




9 57 00, 


9 56 37. 1 




22.9 


Through repeater at Wadsworth, Xev. 
Operators at San Francisco, Captain Kodgera, 








52.1 




22.9 










.')7 7.1 




22.85 


United States Coast Survey, and Mr. Ladd, Sec- 










22.15 




22.9 


retary "Western Union Telegraph Company ; at 










37. 1 




22.9 


Elko, Messrs. Irwin and Stewart. 










52.1 




22.9 


22".95-H25".3=48".25, chronometer 12^3 slow on 








58 7.1 




S3. 9 


San Francisco mean time. 










22.2 




22.9 


Rate during interval, +0".05; not entirely to be 






' 




37.1 




22.9 


depended upon, as the signals at Peko were 










52.1 




22.9 


neither as pet feet nor as satisfactory as at Elko. 








10 0.0 


59 37. 1 
Mean. 




22. 9 
22. 9 






Signal. 


Lieutenant 
■Wheeler. 


Captain 
Kodgers. 










h. m. s. 


h. til. s. 




s. 




First 




10 12 15 


10 12 38 




23.0 






Last 


10 15 15 


10 15 38 




23.0 


, 




Date. 


1 

a 
1 

a 

a 

£0 


i 

c 


a 

.« s 

OQ p 

o 


CD 

a 

o 
u 

O 
O 

a 
H 


Corrected time. 


p 

I 


(0 

2 

t> 

s 

3 
O 


Means. 


1869. 






h. m. s. 


h. 


m. s. 


h. m. s. 


k. m. s. 




h. ?n. 5. 


July 1 


Sau Francisco. 


.San Francisco - 


58 30. 00 


+ 


25. 30 


9 58 55. 30 












Elko 


9 58 7. 10 


+ n 


27 24. 01 


10 25 31. 11 










Elko, Nov 


San Francisco. 


10 14 8.00 


+0 


25. 30 


10 14 33. 30 










T^a-o. Ni^r 


Ell 


io 


10 13 45 00 


1 n 


27 23. 98 


in .11 R Q.^ 


I'i fifl 




26 35. 75 


Loiigitade of San Francis 
Correction of chrouomete 










8 9 38. 23 


p for midnight of July 3, +27" 21'.34 


; rate per day, 2*.50 gaining ; therefore the 


above corrections. 








Final difference of longitu 


deof Elko.Nev 




7 43 2. 48 


Or 






n5O45'37".20 





33 



Signals for Imgitude by teltgraph between Buby, Nev., and San Francisco, Cal, July 9, 1869. 







__. _i 


>i." 












"3 » ti 


•= ti 












*i ® © 














*a ^ *3 


.—" o 








Date. 


Station. 


Time of trnnsrai 
by Lieut. AVI 
er's cbroDome 


Time of receiva 
Major Kob 
chronometer. 


S 

5 


Bemarks. 




1869. 




h, m. t. 


h. m. 1. 


(. 






July 9 


Ruby, Nev 


10 28 45 


10 29 02. 8 


017.8 


Operator at Rnby, Mr. Anderson. 
Operator at San Francisco, Miyor 








10 89 00 






Robert and 






10 29 15 






Mr. Sawyer. 








10 29 30 






Lieotenant AVLoeler's chronometer 1283, slow on 






10 29 45 






San Francisco mean time, 49 seconds. 






10 30 00 














10 30 IS 














10 30 30 














10 30 45 














10 31 00 














10 31 15 














10 31 30 














10 31 45 


10 32 02. e 
Mean. 


017.8 
17.9 








1 




1 






■a 


o 






B 




m . 


to 




Q 


g 






g 




X -3 


a 




O 












— 33 


o 


® 








Date. 




i 






a 
1 


o 3 




Means. 




m 


-B 








9 


s 






•a 


1 


i = 


6 


5 


a 


3 

3 

p 




1869. 






h. m. «. 


h. m. s. 


A. m. 3. 


h. m. t. 


«. 


h. m. 8. 


Jnly 9 


Ruby. Nev 


Rnby, Nev 


10 30 15. 00 


+ 28 22.76 


10 58 37. 76 










Ruby, Xev 


San Francisco. 


10 30 35. 80 


+0 31.20 


10 31 4. 00 


27 33. 76 


0.04 


27 33. 78 


Longitndc of San PraDcisco 


8 9 3&23 


Correction of chroDometer for midnight of Jnly 9, +23" 22».6€; rate, 2».40 gaining per day. 


Final difference of longitude for Ruby, Nev 


7 42 4. 45 


Or 


115° 31' 6".75 





5 W 



34 



Signals/or longitude by telegraph ielween Hamilton, Nev., and San Francisco, Col., November 19, 1869. 



Date. 


Station. 


Time of transmittal, 
by Major Robert's 
chronometer. 


Time of receival, by 
LieutenantWboel- 
er'a chronometer. 


1 

(3 


Hemarks. 


1869. 




h. m. 8. 


h. m. «. 


s. 






Nov. 19 




5 12 


9 15 38. 1 
53.0 




Operators at Hamilton, Nev., Messrs. IngaUs and 
Henderson ; at San Francisco, Miijor Eobert 










16 08. 1 




and . 










23.1 




Chronometer No. 1283, at 10 p. m.. 


according to 








38.1 




Major Eobert's signals, = 6» 20°.9 


according to 








53.1 




Lieutenant Wheeler's signals, = 6 


" 20°.5 ; mean 








17 08. 1 




error (fast) = 6» 20°.7. 










23.0 














37.9 














52.9 














18 08. 














23.1 












5 15 0« 


9 18 38. 1 


4 03. 38 








Signals. 


Transmitted 
by Lieuten- 
ant Wheeler. 


Keceived by 
Mjyor Eob 
ert. 


Differ- 
ence. 






h. tn. s. 


h. m. s. 


h. m. s. 




First 


9 29 30 
9 32 30 


5 25 52. 3 

5 28 52. 3 


4 03 37. 7 






Last 




Date. 


1 

a 
% 

s 

a 
sue 

in 


1 


1 . 

§ t 
.'S s 

CO o 


aa 
1 

1 

a 


.1 

o 


i 

1 

P 


a 
% 

Q 


Means. 


1869. 






h. tn. $. 


h. m. s. 


k. m. s. 


h. m. s. 




h. m. 9. 


Nov. 19 


San Francisco. 


.San Francisco. 


9 13 30. 00 


-0 2 41.54 


9 10 48. 46 










San Francisco 


Hamilton 9 17 8.05 


+0 20 59. 55 


9 38 7. 60 


27 19. 14 








Hamilton 


San Francisco. 9 27 22.30 


-0 2 41. 54 


9 24 20. 76 










Hamilton 


Hamilton 9 31 0.00 


4 20 59. 52 


9 51 59. 52 


18.76 




27 18. 95 


Longitude of San Francisco 


8 9 38 '^3 


There are made four sets of observations for time by equal altitudes, giving a mean correction for the 




chronometer of 20" 3M9 slow at 11-.7 into noon. This observation ivas made at Monte Christo Mills on 




the 18th of November The chronometer waa then carried over to JTamilton for exchange, conse- 




quently the difference of longitude between San Francisco and Monte Christo Mills is obtained. The 




rate of the chronometer was at this time 2'.57 per day, gives the corrections for the chronometer as used 




above. 




Final diflerence of longitude for camp near Monte Christo Mills 


7 42 19. 28 


Or 


U5<=34'49".20 





It may be considered as a distinctive feature of the present reconnaissance that, althongli the 
instruments for taking astronomical observations have been limited to sextants and chronometers, 
yet, by the use of the telegraph, results have been attained that compare favorably with those that 
would be expected from a more extended series of observations with more perfect astronomical 
instruments, and opportunity afforded for determining with more certainty the rate of the chro- 
nometers upon which the lesser or greater accuracy of the approximate longitudes to the south- 
ward depend. 



35 



SEXTANT ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATIONS. 

Latitude oli.scM-vatioii.s weiv made at most of the cainp.s wIhmh! the party lemaiiied for a siiifjle 
uiglit by inean.s of the sextant; tlie deteriniiiatioii for time depemliii^' iii>oii .siii^^le altitude ob.serva- 
tions of the stars or equal altitudes of the suu, including several points at which equal altitudes of 
star.s were also obtained. For latitude, either ])olaris was ob.scrved and al.'^o a soutii star, or circum- 
meridian altitudes of the suu with a south star or stars. The method emphn erl in reduction is giveu 
in these tables, special blank forms having been prepared for the use of the expeditiou. 

The accuracy of these ob.servations is proven to be very great, aud the results compare not 
unfavorably with those obtained by the use of the zenith telescope. 

For illustration, the following single results for latitude at a given point, determined during 
different days, are submitted : 

Camp 7, {near Camp Ruby.) 

OBSEiiVKn, Lieutenant Wueklkk. 



Date. 


Latitude N. 


Method employed. 


July 9-10, 1869 

July 11, 1869 


O ' " 

•10 03 55.60 
46.42 
45.99 
42 27 
47.01 


Polaris. 

Polaris. 

Cirrmn-uicridian altitudes. 

Circum-meridian altitudes. 

Polaris. 


Jnlyll 1869 


July 12, 1869 


July 12, 1869 









Mean latitude, 40o 03' 47".46 ± 1".45. 



INDIANS. 

All the Indians through Southern Nevada may be termed "Mountain Indians," in contradis- 
tinction to those that inhabit the valleys or plains, or live along the ocean-.shore. The habits, 
dispositions, aud mental characteristics of all the Indians that I have encountered on the racific 
Slope seem to be governed largely by the topography of the country and the principal articles used 
as food, the latter undoubtedly liaving the greater eflect. 

The mountain Indians are more hardy, intelligent, shrewd, and cunning, generally going into 
the valleys to plant and harvest, returning to their mountain-retreats after gathering their slender 
crops. They make up the deficit in food from nuts and acorns, rarely eating roots. The well-kuown 
Digger Indians of the California valleys formerly subsisted in the main upon roots aud plants, and 
to them pine-nuts aud acorns were a great luxury. They were aud are a filthy, .sliiggishiniiided, 
di-sgusting race. Certain other shore Indians, closely allied in general worthlessness of character 
to the Diggers, subsist upon fish and any refuse or offal found along the shore, together with sea- 
weed and various .searoots and plants. They inhabit the northern coasts of California ai'd Oregon. 

The mountain Indians of Nevada aud Idaho, as a general rule, have been endowed by nature 
with more of the civilized instincts than those found below the Colorado River; and, in fact, it is 
not unlikely that a provisional latitudinal distinction, modified by the form and extent of the 
drainage basins, may be made general in its ai>plication to all tribes west of the Rocky Mountains. 

With the development and po|»ulation of countries like Arizona, the Indian will become im- 
pressed with the fact that warlike aggression or resistance will be futile ; and the submissive 
Apache of a few years hence will be found to differ but little from the tame Ute and Pah-Ute of to- 
day. 

Our guide and interpreter, Henry Butterfield, a thorough master of the Shoshone and Gosiute 
tongues, succeeded in gaining a pretty accurate census of the "wickeups" at which the Indians 
were found at home. His estimate of those enumerated was very nearly two thousand five hun- 
derd ; aud it is not unsafe to suppose that at least this number are permanent inhabitants of the 
area surveyed. 



36 

THE SHOSHONES. 

This tribe has rang:ecl alonn; the Huiuboklt for years, branching out here and there to the south 
and east, and at other points to the north and west, but looking to the valley of the Humboldt as 
their base. They are quite numerous, and consist of as many as 5,000, all told. Their headquar- 
ters is near Winnemucca, named after their old chief, still living. But few of these fellows were 
seen. Their habits alid appearance are well known, as they can be noticed at any station along 
the railroad, from Humboldt Wells to Wadsworth. They extend as far to the south as Tim-pah- 
ute Mountain, and to the east as Ruby Valley. A party of some two hundred Indians, under the 
leadershii) of a chief named Blackhawk, were tilling the land in Snake Valley, and professed to be 
Snakes or Shoshones ; wished to be peaceable, and to receive agricultural implements. The chief, 
thinking lie might effect something of this sort, returned with our party to the camp in Cave Val- 
ley, and then went into Hamilton to see the superintendent of Indian affairs. 

GOSIUTES. 

This is not a numerous tribe, consisting of not more than 400, with headquarters at Deep 
Creek. They range no farther to the south than 38° latitude, nor to the east thaii Sevier Lake 
Desert, contining themselves mainly to the mountains bordering o i Spring, Steptoe, Sierra, and 
Gosiute Valleys. They differ in no material way from the Shoshones, the language being similar, 
and habits and dispositions the same, always having lived at peace with each other. 

Our tirst guide, Pogo, was a young buck taken from this tribe, who accompanied us as far as 
Patterson District. He was lazy and good-natured, possessed of more than ordinary Indiau intelli- 
gence, and perfectly happy while with us, since he ^\as all the time well supplied with provisions. 

The Indian names of the different peaks, ranges, and natural objects have been changed when 
possible to their English signification, since few of the former possess a claim even to euphony. 

Big Horse is the name of the chief of the Gosiutes, and he, with quite a baud, was at Deep 
Creek, to the north of the Snake range, and above our line of travel. Freshly deserted Indian 
camps showed that they had fled at our approach, and we were told by white settlers that they 
held the soldiers in the greatest awe and reverence. 

THE PAHVANTS 

are quite a numerous tribe, living entirely in Utah, and to the south and east of the Sevier 
Lake Desert. Cutting across the Mormon settlements, in a northeasterly direction, we did not 
come immediately in contact with any of their wick-e-ups, but our guide, Adabe, who went with us 
from Cave Valley to Preuss Valley and return, sighted the smoke of some of their camps, and paid 
them a visit on our behalf. They did not seem desirous of a close acquaintance with the soldiers. 
Their chief, Blackhawk, is a shrewd and warlike old fellow, and when the Mormons will not give 
him and his band all the meat that they wish, he immediately retires to the hills, declares war, 
and levies contributions. I am told that in physical structure they are superior to most of the 
Indians of the great interior basin, approaching the athletic qualities of the Mojaves. It is likely 
that this Statement should be taken with some caution. 

Their language is not understood bj-, either the Snakes, Shoshones, or Gosiutes, the latter 
supposed to be branches of the great Snake tribe. t 

UTES OR PIEDES. 

The [Jtes, Utahs, or Piedes, as they have sometimes been called, are a roving, treacherous 
Indian. They are found from Pahranagat Valley to the mouth of the Virgin River as the 
most westerly line of their country, extending to the north and east along the different lines of 
Mormon settlements as high up as 38° north latitude, thence stretching out to the eastward as far 
as the Grand River, and bounded on the south and east by the Colorado proper. 

Their number, all told, is variously estimated from three to five thousand; some six or seven 
hundred were found along our route. 



37 

An old fellow by the name of Toshob was chief of these bands on the Muddy ; a wily, treacher- 
ous, cold-blooded old scamp, who was well known to have been the leader of the Indians that were 
engaj^ed in the " Mountain ^Icadow massacre," that horrible murder of helidess cmifjrants, both 
male and female, old and young. The details of this dreadful occurrence were gleaned here and 
there, and, when fully known, for all coming history will stand out as one of the most disgusting 
pictures of human baseness. 

The Utes or Tiedos cultivate the soil, are at war with no particular tribe, and, excepting the fact 
that they are great thieves, and treacherous to a heightened degree, even for an Indian, do not differ 
greatly from others of these mountain tribes. They have no hesitation to rob, plunder, and mur- 
der, provided tliey are not found out, while their sagacity teaches them the advantages to l)e gained 
from the reputation of "good Indians." They have a most wonderful antipathy against Germans, 
whom they can tell at a glance, and no one of this nationality can get past their habitations without 
a good chance of losing everything he has in the way of jjersonal effects. I know of no manner in 
which to explain the above except that this tribe has been for long years at enmity with the Nava- 
joes, who have been in the habit of crossing the Colorado and making inroads upon the Utes and 
Piedes, taking their stock, squaws, or anything else, and then beating a hasty retreat. It is a 
legend among these Indians that the Navajoos at one time captured a large German emigrant- 
train, killing all the men and taking the women to their villages, and thereby created a changed 
nice of bad blood, they say ; and possibly in their own minds they thiuk that all their troubles with 
the Nava.joes have arisen in cons('(iu('nce. Tliese Utes or Piedes had killed two men in a canon lead- 
ing into one that we traversed from ^leadow X'alley to the Muddy settlements. These were travel- 
ers with good horses. The Indians who were supposed to have been concerned had left their wick- 

e-ups and lied. 

PAH-UTES. 

The Pah-Utes, or Water- Utes, are a tribe not differing in any marked way from the Utes, and, 
like them, of strong physical build, a lively, bright, black eye, rather thiu front face and more aqui- 
line contour, bespeaking acuter mental characteristics than most of the Indians of the great mountain 
basin. Their eastern limit is the western one of the Utes or Piedes; the Colorado bounds them on the 
south, and to the north and west, the Great Death Valley of Southwestern Nevada, that almost extends 
to and joins Death Valley proper in California. We found their wick-e-up at Las Vegas Ranch, 
at various poiuts on the S[)ring Mountain r.mge, and some few at Eldora<lo Caiion and below, 
in and about Cottonwood Island. There cannot be more than two thousand in all, the jiriuci- 
pal chief of whom is Tercherura, an honest, welldispositioned, chunky little man, who seemed to 
have but little authority outside of his own small number of wicke-nps. 

For the most itart they are a wicked, saucy, and independent set. They have seen and mixed 
with many whites, principally on the old emigrant road ; know well the value of money, and have a 
great desire for clothes and blankets. They make frequent pilgrimages, and always return well 
laden with spoils, both in wardrobe and fluids. They plant but little, living for the greater part on 
pine-nuts, which are vei'y plentiful, and by hiintiug, which around these mountains is better than 
at any point along the route. By a little good management they could be collected together and 
made a self-supporting people. No presents, so far as I could learn, have been made to any of 
these Indians to the south of 38° latitude, or (iuinn's Canon, to which point it is understood that 
the treaty made by Governor, now Senator, Nye, in 1803, extended. 

It is hoped that the information at present gained, and which may be acquired by careful 
attention on the part of the superintendent of Indian atfairs for Nevada, will soon give to these 
Indians the same annuities that others receive throughout the State ; and it will have a great 
effect in quieting not only them, but the ai^prehension felt bj- settlers who occupy, in small parties, 
here and there, ranches, upon which the Indians at any time are apt to levy contributions. 

CLIMATE. 

The climate of the area in question, embracing such a large stretch in latitude, is necessarily 
varied. There may be two natural limits assumed, as that between which snow does and does not 



38 

appear along the low foot-hills. The dividing line should be taken on a parallel with the head of 
Pahranagat Valley, although now and then a thin coating of snow has been known around Hyko. 

The northern section shows more variation of temperature; the division into the wet and dry 
seasons is not so marked, and the intense cold noticed at high altitudes is in great contrast to the 
heat of the summer's day in the valleys. The biennial rains occur, however, and snow frequently 
appears instead of rain in the winter season. 

At altitudes not exceeding 7,000 feet, and there are but few points liable to be inhabited at a 
much greater elevation, the maximum of temperature in summer will not exceed 100° Fahrenheit, 
while in winter the mercury rarely falls more than 15° below the zero-point. 

Below the line of demarkation mentioned the biennial rains are strongly marked, occurring 
principally in the months of July and January. After leaving our camp in Cave Valley, Septem- 
ber 1, until reaching Indian Spring, October 25, there was not a single day of rain; at this point 
there were a few showers, followed by clear sky, until White Pine was again reached. 

The thermometer in the heat of summer often reaches from 118° to 120° in the shade at mid- 
day upon the Colorado. The clear, pure atmosphere, so extremely dry, renders this excess of tem- 
perature more endurable than an atmosphere in the Eastern States not exceeding 95° Fahrenheit. 
The glare of the sun, however, as reflected from the sandy washes and bare rocks, is very trying 
to the eyesight. Ice at times formed at points as far south as Las Vegas Springs, but only in thin 
films. It seems unfortunate that up to this time there should have been so few facilities for study- 
ing the climatology of the great interior basins of the American Continent, which, of course, can 
only be done after extensive series of atmospheric observations have been taken over long intervals. 
It would seem not ill-advised that a system should be adopted by the Government in selecting 
marked stations at which to commence and contiuue these series, though it be at considerable cost. 

The following-named mining-districts in Nevada were visited. The results of the examina- 
tions will be published in Volume I, of the series of Reports, which volume will also contain all the 
mining information gathered up to the close of the field-season of 1873. 



Name. 


No. of 
Atlas-sheet. 


By whom examined. 


Remarks. 




49 
49 
49 

58 
49-58 
49 
58 
58 
66 
58 
66 
66 
49 
58 
58 
58 
58 
58 


Lieut. G. M. Wheeler, 
do 




White Pine 






do 




Sboshoue .. . 


do 




Snalie 


do 




Sacramento 


do 


Also in 1872 


Patterson .- 


do 




Ely 


do 


Also in 1871 '72. 


Colorado , 


do 




Tim-pah-ute ,. . 


do 


Also in 1871 


Yellow Pine 


do 


do 


Timber Mountain 


do 




Hercules 


.do 




Pahranagat Lake 


do 




Reveille 


do. • 




Hot Creek 


do 




Morey ^ 


do 


do 


Grant 


do 











HEIGHT OF MOUNTAIX-EANGES. 



•This description must be limited to the most prominent of the ranges which have been 
examined. 

HUMBOLDT RANGE. 

Beginning on the north, we find it to be the most remarkable and well-defined range that 
belongs to this latitude, between the Sierras and the Wahsatch range. It has its northern limit at 
the Central Pacific Railroad, near Humboldt Wells, and passing nearly due south, breaks away a 
little below Hastings Pass, where it is traversed by the old overland road, into a succession of low, 
broken hills and ridges, pretty well covered with cedar and nut-pine, fit for fuel. The highest peaks 



39 

attain an elevation of about 12,500 feet, and on their northern slopes snow remains during the 
entire year. Little lakes, fed by snow-water, are found at great elevations in the natural basins 
near the summits of the highest peaks, and present a very picturesque ap[)earance. The western 
slope of those mountains, unlike many farther to the southward, is well furnished with living 
streams of pure water abouiuling with mountain-trout. Here and there the canons have a showing 
of pine timber of considerable size, while the foothills at a variety of places are densely packed 
with wood for fuel purposes. 

EGAN AND SCHELI, CREEK RANGES. 

These are well defined in height and direction, extending for long distances, passing either 
side of Steptoe Valley on the north, then Cave Valley, below wliicli the names change; but a suc- 
cession of ranges, nearly parallel to the route projected for a raiiroail to the uu)Utii of the Virgin 
Eiver, may be said to be a continuation of these ranges. The elevation at any of the points meas- 
ured exceeds in no instance more tiian 11,200 feet, while 8,000 feet is the average iieight. Timber 
is found at several points, while at many others wood for fuel abounds. 

SUPERIOR LIMIT IN ALTITUDE OF VEGETATION. 

By measurements taken along the flanks of JefT. Davis (now Wheeler's) Peak, the height 
given for this limit was 11,500 feet above sea-level. Tlie latitude is 38° 5S', or in round numbers, 
39° north latitude. 

Some few specimens of the species Mimuhi.s, Moscliaios, were found at a greater elevation 
clinging to damj) places in the rocks, where evidently nothing of the shrub variety could exist. 

Observations taken on the top of Ilamel's Peak, on the Egan range, show this to have been 
a little more than 11,200 feet. The top is here quite bare, and the latitude is but little farther 
north. Unquestionably, had the height been greater, the vegetation would have crept as high as 
in tlic former instance, and it is safe to assume that the [uactical limit of vegetation among the 
mountains of Nevada for i)arallel 39° is not far from 11,500 feet above sea-level. 

AGRICULTURAL LANDS. 

Of the twenty-six valleys visited during the season, ranging in elevation from 2,000 to 7,000 
feet, but a few of the number possess much agricultural area now tilled. The entire area covered 
by the reconnaissance was nearly a blank ui)on the map at the time of starting for our season's 
work; was but little known even to the energetic prospector who had penetrated into the in- 
terior of the State of Nevada, and agricultural industry itself was but slowly coming into form in 
any part of that State, principally mineral in its productions. A few hardy jiioneers in stock-iaising 
had brought their herds over from Texas, via California, and others dissatisfied, or lacking room in 
that State, had sought their way into the high mountain valleys, as it had but lately been foninl 
that they would sustain stock during the winter period, which results largely from the fact that the 
tops of the white sage, made nutritive and i)ahitable by frost, eim^rge above the snow that falls 
during the winter season, and is usually available in large quantities. 

In Ruby Valley many settlei's had pre-empted and acquired title to lands proving to be among 
the most protluctive of any in the State. Iiuleed, this valley probably possesses a greater number 
of arable acres than any other in the State of Nevada. All lands noted require irrigation, except 
those in the lower part of Pahranagat Valley, an exceptional spot, where a thorough degi-ee of 
satin-ation is obtained because of the large flow of water from the thernml springs that break out 
in dill'erent parts of the same. Along the lines of greatest depression in most of the valleys visited, 
alluvial beds of greater or less extent occur, and the limit to their cultivation, except where alka- 
line matters are in excess, is only governed by the amount of water-supply for irrigation that may 
be made available naturally, since ranching has been taken up in a very desultory manner, with 
few points for a market, and with little enterprise. Usually a ranchero, turning miner upon the 
first excitement, and only returning to his ranch when all else fails, but lew of the elements that 
nature presents have been taken advantage of, and irrigation, when ai)plied, has been only of the 



40 

rudest kind, not following any definite plan. The cereals, corn, potatoes, and many vegetables 
grow with certainty and yield largely, notably in Ruby, Pabrauagat, Spring, Snake, Duck Lake, 
Cedar, Kose, Eagle, and Meadow Valleys. In Pabranagat Valley the production of potatoes and 
other vegetables, in size and amount, is prodigous, equaling the richest parts of California. At 
the time of our reaching White Pine, many ranches bad been established in the little valleys of 
erosion within a radius of twenty-five and thirty miles, and their productions found a ready market 
in the little mining towns around that camp. Later, most of these ranches were used for stock 
purposes only, as the little market of White Pine commenced in the latter part of the season of 
1869 to grow less and less, until from seven thousand souls in the district in 1869, it was reduced to 
less than one thousand in 1872, all told. 

The mountain grama-grasses, so common in the plateau and other portions of Arizona, were 
not noted anywhere this year. The mountain bunch-grass that extends from Montana to the Mex- 
ican boundary on the south, varying as to altitude in its different geographical distribution, was 
noted on every mountain side, without exception, throughout the entire season. Usually it was 
scant between the lower foot-hills of the valleys and along routes much traveled this season, but 
thousands, and indeed millions, of acres of this lay along our routes, but little of which was available, 
however, at this time for grazing because of the want of water ; for cattle alone, in many cases 
this can be remedied. This is especially true of Spring, Duck Lake, and Snake Valleys, in which, 
with success, in my opinion, at many points along the profile of greatest depression, artesian wells 
could be sunk, bringing sufticient water to the surface for grazing and mining purposes, if not sufli- 
cient for irrigation on a small scale. In many of the valleys, as will be noted where they are 
described, the excess of alkaline materials prevents any cultivation whatever ; especially has this 
been the fact in the valley of the Muddy, where two or three crops have been necessai-y in order to 
eliminate from the soil alkaline and saline constituents found in excess, by volatilization and 
absorption. When this has been done the soils prove to be of the richest. The richness in growth 
of the artemisia. or ordinary sage, is a sure indication of the value of the soil which sustains it. 

In the slight mesas after reaching no more than 25 or 30 feet above the valleys of the little 
streams covered with a light growth of sage, usually possessing soil partially limestone, with other 
parts made up from the lava-rocks, are among those soils most certain to be useful for cidtivation 
when water can be applied. It is to be noted that in the entire area surveyed the amount of valley 
to mountain area bears but a small ratio. This is extremely unfortunate, since but a small fraction 
of any of the mountain areas, either from want of arability or on account of altitude, will ever be 
susceptible of cultivation. A hinderance arises from the fact that the larger portion of the detrital 
valleys are underlaid with a series of permeable beds usually consisting of washed gravels, to 
which is due the fact that most of the streams, when emerging from the mountains through their 
caiion beds disappear, principally by percolation. Therefore, should it be possible to raise to the 
surface underground beds of water that certainly must exist in places, an attempt to distribute 
them would, in most cases, be futile from this cause. Hence, when irrigation comes, as come it 
will, the utmost care must be exercised ; first, as to profile, at which a point for boring will be 
selected ; second, the proximity of this point to beds likely to be underlaid by impermeable strata. 
The latter point is not difficult of detection by a study of the formation of surrounding rock-beds, 
cross-sections of which can usually be obtained. 

Our time and means were both too limited to attempt the measuring of profiles bearing upon the 
subject of water-supply, and no general survey can in fact take cognizance of a matter of this kind 
unless directed to special parts of valley-areas where earlier examinations have indicated the pos- 
sibility of obtaining a water-supply from beneath the surface. The land-surveys had penetrated but 
little into any of the valleys traversed this year, with the exception of Ruby and Pabranagat Val- 
leys. The map delineates new and unknown sections both to the emigrant, settler, and miner, and 
to the laud department, affording them preliminary knowledge most necessary in pushing forward 
their surveys, which are necessarily done across broken sections full of almost impassable obstacles, 
to the newer and more unsettled parts of the State or Territory in which they are operating. The 
stock raised in this section of Nevada is principally confined to cattle and sheep, with a few horses 
and nudes. The former thrive exceedingly well, and since the completion of the railroad find a 
ready market. It is believed by those having experience, that the quaUty of beef in the cattle 



41 

driveu from Texas to this section of the country is improved after a few years, on account of tlie 
superior quality of the natural grass. This seems likely to be true of all the immense grazing- 
fields of Nevada, and other portions of the great western interior, and that their value is slowly 
becoming known can only be looked to with satisfaction, since numerous herds are now grazing in 
the valley of the Mississippi and on the plains of Texas, on lands gradually becoming so valuable 
that they will be required for agricultural j)urposes. We must soon look to the high mountain- 
areas for their sustenance and jjrojiagation. If these grasses will submit to an increase of large 
herds, or to cultivation, and retain their perennial power, the question of meat-supply for the millions 
in the United States for years to come is solved. 

niOFJLE OF EOADS. 
The profiles have been preserved upon manuscript maps. 

MTTEKAX'S CREEK TO MOUTH OF RIO VreOEN. 

This is designated as Profile No. 1, and gives that portion of the railroad-route projected, 
actually traversed by the survey-parties. The distance is about two hundred and sixty -eight miles, 
the actual fall in altitude being .^,L'00 feet ; that is, from G,4()0 at Camp 13 to 1,'20() at Camp 52, 
being 19 feet to the mile. The divides that are the most marked exist between Cave and Sierra 
and Coal and Pahranagat Valleys. They are of such a nature as to offer no hinderance to ordinary 
railroad-grades, while it will be seen that the decrease in elevation is interrupted by no sudden 
breaks. 

The highest point will be G,700 feet, about 700 feet greater than the altitude of Toano, oa 
Central Pacific Railroad, which is given on their map 5,96-1: feet above sea-level. 

ELKO TO EL DORADO CANON. 

This is denominated Profile No. 2, and the distances are also given in Table No. 2 of the report. 

The divides between the valleys along this route are more noticeable, and in two or three in- 
stances present barriers almost impassable, and hence would uecessitate an extraordinary expendi- 
ture for the construction of a railroad. These are at Quinn's Canon, where a crossing of the continu- 
ation of the White Pine range is effected, between Mud and (Juartz Spriugs, and at the head of 
El Dorado Canon. 

It is not certain that a road could not be run to the westward of Quiun Canon, and to the last 
two points mentioned. In this event, however, it must continue always to the westward of the 
Colorado, and remain all the time in a very desert section, wiiich cannot of itself afford the materials 
necessary for stocking and keeping in supply the construction-parties. The distance from Monte 
Christo to near the divide of the water-shed between the Humboldt and Colorado Basins to El 
Dorado Canon is three hundred and four miles, while the difference in altitude is C,G72 feet, show- 
ing a fall of 22 feet per mile, which is not only greater than that of the route first mentioned, but, 
taken in connection with the sterility of the country and the necessity of heavy grades, condemns 
the project of a railroad near this meridian. 

Itseemsnot unlikely, looking well into the future, thatthe Colorado River, atsome point between 
Camp Mojavc and the foot of the Gratid Canon, will be approached by at least two lines of railroad 
that, leaving the Central Pacific, follow generally north and south lines. The first will doubtless 
be not far removed from the one projected on Map No. 1, while the second, connecting with the 
Utah Central at Salt Lake City, following to the south and west through the chain of Mormon 
settlements, will meet the river near the foot of the Grand Wash. Still another line of road, 
passing to the eastward of the Sierras through Owen's River Valley, joining the present railroad 
from Virginia City to Carson, may be broken to the east to the Colorado, or, bearing slightly to the 
westward, continue on to San Diego. I believe it to be not an over-sanguine idea that all of this 
will happen ; the exact date of completion of each or any of these public improvements being yet 
indeterminate. 
6 w 



42 

OVERLA^'D STATION TO CAMP 15, MURKAY CREEK. 

This is sliowu as Profile No. 1 on the second map, and passes via Long Yalley, White Pine, and 
Kobiuson District. 

The distance is approximately one hundred and twenty-two miles. The divides are four in 
number, viz, Hastings Pass, leading into Euby Valley, the summit between Euby and Long Val- 
leys, in and around Hamilton, and at Summit Springs to the west, and among the foot-lillls of the 
Egan range. 

It will be seen that this profile is along a line partly of a northerly and southerly direction, 
with the remainder running nearly east and west, and is distinctive in its nature from most of the 
main side-lines, which generally have east and west directions. 

CAMP RXJBT TO CAMP HALLECK. 

This constitutes Profile No. 2, and proceeds along Euby Valley and through Secret Valley 
Pass, which is a very difficult one, especially in the winter months; however, the railroad may be 
reached by passing a gentle summit that brings one into Clover, from Euby Valley, thence to 
Humboldt Wells. The distance is seventy-five miles. 

CAMP 17, " CAVE VALLEY," TO CAMP 26, " PRETJSS LAKE." 

This is known as Profile No. 3; the line passing through Sacramento District having been 
taken ; the distance is one hundred and sixty-seven miles, and the divides, some of which are 
pretty difficult, are at Patterson Pass, near the mines of the Patterson District, from Duck Valley 
to Spring Valley, a very short divide, but steep on the northern side ; Eed Caiion Pass, through 
Snake range, in proximity to Sacramento District ; Caiion Pass east of Snake Valley, and Cane 
Pass, crossing the Hawawah range. 

CAMP 28, OR CROSS-ROADS NEAR PATTERSON DISTRICT. 

Profile No. 4 gives this line, which crosses only the Fortification range of mountains through 
Palisade Pass, a tortuous and winding divide. The distance is 37.92 miles, showing no marked 
features of elevation or depression except along the distance mentioned. 

CAVE VALLEY TO "WEST POINT. 

Profile No. 5 gives this route, which extends from Camp 17, "Cave Valley," to Camp 49, 
" West Point," via Meadow Valley and Mormon settlements. The number of points at which 
steep divides are noticed are numerous, and the face of the country over quits a large adjacent 
area is mountainous, with rough and rocky caiions and passes. The steep divides are at Patterson's 
Pass, also shown on Profile No. 3; Pioneer Pass, between Cedar and Eagle Valleys, Eagle to Eose 
Valley, Eose to Meadow, and Meadow to Clover Valley, and Clover Valley to Mormon Caiion ; of 
them the worst are through Pioneer Pass, and from Meadow to Clover Valley. The total distance 
is 196.69 miles. 

As it is natural to suppose, so is it readily seen, there is the greatest difference between the 
profiles of north and south and east and west lines. A hasty glance at the maps fixes this point 
upon the attention, and at once develops the idea that nature has determined the directions to be 
followed for the lines of communication to be made use of by the skilled industry that can alone 
enter and make use of the vast mineral wealth that lies concealed in these rugged mountain inte- 
riors. 

Within twenty years we ought to see three if not four grand transcontinental lines of railway 
across the United States, joining the three principal po'rts of the Pacific with the eastern coast, 
cutting the broad valleys of the Mississippi and its tributaries ; which along areas to the west of 
the Eocky Mountains must be joined and crossed in time by a net-work of roads that grow with the 
growth of interests, usually mineral, that are springing up in the various sections ; with the agricul- 



43 

tural and various concomitant iiitoro.sts dependent thereon, the importance of wliich will be 
acknowledged and felt the more the mass of the people can see legitimate opportunities for lalior and 
investment, which will accrue after wise and judicious legislation, that is sure to come from a more 
careful study and mature deliberation upon the bearing that mineral productions have upon the 
national wealth, and especially at a time when the country is burdened with a large national debt. 

TOWNS AND SETTLEMENTS. 

These are few in number, sparse in population, and mostly uninteresting in appearance. 

Away from the railroad, the only settlers, excepting now and then a ranch or station, have 
come together in the vicinity of mining camps, which, being so uncertain in their nature, call for no 
great permanence in the architecture of the miner's cabin, the mill, or the store. 

nA.>IILTON, 

by far the largest place in size, had something like two or three thousand inhabitants in July, 
while in November 1,200 would have included them all. This was the principal point for the 
mines in the White Pine District. Here the greater part of the business was done, and the 
merchants and traders had collected, while the principal number of the mills at this period were 
in the vicinity. Of course whisky-mills, with faro-banks adjoining, were plenty, while alternately 
there appeared either a clothing or a grocery store. Such places become overrun with tiie surplus 
population, of a rather questionable grade, of all the worn-out mining camps for a radius of hun- 
dreds of miles. This place boasted a passably good stone court-house and a fine stone building in 
which were the offices of Wells, Fargo & Co., and the Bank of California. One notices no such 
thing as a church, 

TEEASURE CITY. 

Another settlement near the mines on Treasure Hill, consisting of one street, at an altitude of 
9,000 feet, winding along the hills, was filled with miners and offices and residences of owners of 
mining and mill property. In November, the greater share of the inhabitants had removed to either 
Hamilton or Shermantown, to save fuel for the winter, so that less than five hundred remained, 
while in July more than one thousand persons resided in this uninviting locality. 

SHERMANTOWN, 

the site of several mills engaged in reducing the White Pine ores, was a place of at least one 
thousand five hundred souls upon our first visit. It is situated in a tortuous ravine, between the 
White Pine range proper and Treasure Hill, quite secluded from the Pogonips of this section, and 
near water, a thing not to bo found upon Treasure Hill. 

These three places, numbering between four and five thousand souls, had all sprung np with 
the development of the White Pine mines, and npon their future depends also that of the places 
named, which must build up or become abandoned according as the mines can or cannot support a 
greater or less number of people. 

ELKO, 

at present a small station on the Central Pacific Railroad, grew first largely into importance 
from the fact of its being selected as the point of departure for the White Pine mines late in the 
fall of 1SC8. 

A thriving place ; grew rapidly into existence along the banks of the Humboldt, and in the 
census of 1S70 has been found to number 3,447 inhabitants. 

The declining prospects of White Pine in the fall and winter of 1869-'70 soon devtdoped the 
fact that Elko had exceeded the size necessary for a shipping-point ; therefore stagnation of busi- 
ness in all its branches followed, in part alleviated by the discovery of Cope District, to the north- 
ward and near the Idaho line, through which the stage-line to Silver City and points in Idaho, 
which had heretofore left the railroad at Winnemucca, was transferred. 

The future of the place seems, now that it has been made a county-town, certain. 



44 

TOANO. 

This place is at the terminus of one of the sections of the Central Pacific Railroad, and beyond 
this had no importance up to the spring of 1870, when it was used as the point of departure for 
heavy freighting in the direction of the Meadow Valley mines. It has been taken as the point of 
departure for a proposed railroad-route to the Colorado Kiver, on the maps of the reconnaissance, 
since the divides between the valleys leading to the southward have more gradual slopes than 
upon any line that can be selected between the 114th and 116th meridian of longitude. 

It has been spoken of as a new point from which a stage-line can be started to Idaho and 
Montana. 

EXJBY STATION. 

For a long time a station on the old overland stage-road ; and later, a point from which the 
telegraph-line starts to White Pine. The whole affair consists of one store, a telegraph-house, and 
two residences, situated three miles from the military camp, since abandoned, of the same name. 
The settlers of the valley have received their mail through this point until the railroad was com- 
pleted, since which time it is believed that the station has been discontinued altogether. 

MINERAL, CITT. 

A small mining camp in the gorge leading through the Egau range, in and around which are 
found the mines constituting the Eobinson District. Its population comprised about fifty souls, 
with some chance of an increase consequent upon the successful development of the mines. Some 
ten or twelve buildings had been erected, the greater number being stores, a post-offlce, and 
restaurants. The chance for building-sites is quite limited, and in case of large results from these 
mines the population must crowd out to the east in Steptoe Valley, along Murray's Creek. 

MONTEZUMA AND SPRINGVILLE. 

Small camps that have sprung up in conjunction with the mines of the Patterson District 
and on either side of the pass through the Schell Creek range at this place. Several decent 
wooden buildiugs have been built from lumber obtained from Bensou's Creek, some eight or ten 
miles to the north, and on the eastern slope of the range. Water is found only on the eastern side, 
about Springville, and, unfortunately, the principal locations, are on the western slope of the divide. 

These mines have been but little worked, as apparently any capitalists who may have made 
examinations are doubtful as to the chances for large and permanent operations. There is cer- 
tainly a large surface-showing of ore, and if any of the veins prove at all permanent, there ought 
to be parties ready to take hold of these mines. 

HYKO. 

A mining town at the head of Pahranagat Valley, and the county-seat of Lincoln County. 
Its population varies with the local mining excitements of the couutry, and according to the amount 
of developments in operation by the Hyko Silver-Mining Company— in August, 1869, some four 
or five thousand souls altogether, including the company's employes in the mines in and around 
Great Quartz Mountain. 

There is one of the finest ten-stamp mills that I have seen in the State on the mesa edge at the 
western end of the town, most admirably adapted for the milling of ores, since advantage has 
been taken of the natural declivity of the site for the transferring always from higher to lower 
level, in the most convenient manner, during the various milling processes. 

Formerly there were quite a number of Mormons at this settlement, many of whom have gone 
to other sections, leaving but a few of their persuasion. A fine spring, of about 600 inches flow, 
rises at the northeastern end of the town, and is known as Hyko Spring, furnishing water for town 
use and milling purposes. There is water enough for any number of mills that may ever be 
required, and room enough for a city of any magnitude in this vicinity ; and, without doubt, the 
whole of Pahranagat Valley will some day be thickly settled, and that, in connection with con- 
tinued milling operations of magnitude, will make the necessity for quite a large mountain city. 



45 

PIOCHE, 

tlie name of the principal ininiug town in the Ely District, where are found what are known 
as the Meadow Valley mines, amony which tlie one called the " Pioche " seems to be the mother 
vein. 

The fjroat richness of this district since the summer of ISO!) has caused to grow here a town of 
considerable size. The mill of the Meadow Valley Company is situate in a little valley to the east- 
ward, called Dry Valley, around which has sprung up a small settlement called Lyonsville, after 
the present president of the company. 

LAS VEGAS EAUCn. 

This is situated on a little oasis in the desert of Vegas Valley, and consists of about three or 
four hundred acres of arable laud that can be irrigated from the Vegas Springs. An area of a 
radius of fifty miles, having this point as a center, embraces nothing but desert; consequently, this 
is a haven for all travelers, north and south, through this section of country. Tlie old emigrant- 
road to Salt Lake, and the one lately traveled from White Pine to Arizona, here cross each other. 

EL DORADO CANON. 

By this, reference is made to the property of the mining company of this district, who have a 
ten-stamp mill on the river at the mouth of the canon, and the necessary dwellings and store-houses 
for their milling operations. This section is a desert and sterile one. Small patches of bunch- 
grass arc found in the mountains ; hay in large quantities has to be obtained at Cottonwood Ishmd, 
some forty-five miles below, and such barley as cannot be obtained at Vegas ranch must come via 
the river. Wood in small quantities can be obtained from the drift-wood along the river. 

All these difficulties have tended to retard the development of these mines, one of which, the 
Techatticup, having been opened, proves to be a regular fissure-vein. 

CALLVILLE. 

This was originally started as a little Mormon landing, from whence stores, coming via the 
river, were to be shipi)ed in among the settlements of Southern Utah. Quite a large store-house 
and several shanties that had been erected were all abandoned at the date of our arrival, making 
the place look, if possible, more desolate than nature had intended. 

There can be no possible reason in the future for reviving this place, since it cannot be a point 
of dei)arture or supply for any back country, neither can a crossing to the southward bematle; 
therefore, whenever a stray traveler, by accident, shall reach these solitudes, his inquiry for inhab- 
itants will be answered by echoes from the deserted store-house and its surrounding shanties. 

MOEMON SETTLEMENTS. 

nOMEE. 

This is one of the later and more outer settlements, of only about two years' standing, consist- 
ng of twenty to twenty-five families, and from one hundred to one hundred and twenty-five per- 
sons, all told. 

This, being a small settlement, had for its ruler a functionary known as a superintendent, who 
acts as judge and managing-man. The larger settlements have a bishop, while in addition, at 
county-seats, are found other bishops, higher in church authority, who are associate elders, and 
have a voice in the high council at Salt Lake City. 

The scheme seems to be to manage the minds of the many by having some one in their midst 
of sufficient intellect to control, while the others are rude, untaught, with but little prospective 
hope of improvement. I understand, however, that schools are introduced at the more prominent 
settlements. 

The dwellings at Homer all stand upon one wide street, closed at the ends, making a rectan- 
gular-shaped fort, so built for protection against the Indians. The amount of land is parceled out 
to the families in lots from 7J to 25 acres, the latter amount being considered quite excessive. 



46 

The settlers here, having seen so little of the world, had not become coatamiaated by the 
ungovernable thirst to gain money from the Gentiles that is found among the many. 

A call -was made upon the superintendent, a Mr. Shakespeare, a decent, provincial-looking 
man, who was nob unwilling to give information, but who seemed to have but little to give. They 
were nearly all alike at this place, having the appearance such as one might expect to meet among 
some of the lower classes in Holland, Norway, some parts of Germany, and Wales. At the time of 
our coming all the young men were at muster, which is held twice each year, and every available 
able-bodied man is obliged to attend. Besides the ordinary militia, there is said to exist a secret 
compact, known as the " Nauvoo Legion." 

EAGLE VALLEY. 

This is a beautiful little valley, closely encircled by the mountains, and settled nearly three 
years since. Here, again, the inhabitants build their rude log houses in " fort" shape. 

Our day's march carried us to Rose Valley, some three or four miles beyond, and only a short 
stay was made. This place, larger in size, attains to the dignity of having a bishop, who has in 
his trust the forty or fifty families constituting the settlement. 

They will number at least two hundred souls, and seem a quiet, inoffensive set, but looking, 
however, upon the soldiers with a jealous eye, and, with a true Mormon proclivity, where it could 
be done, taking advantage of the desire for the purchase of delicacies on the march in the way of 
butter, eggs, and vegetables, charging much more than their value. This custom we found in its 
most absolute perfection among some of the lower settlements, where Gentiles were more frequently 
in the habit of passing through. 

Doctors and lawyers are unknown in these remote settlements ; they themselves speak of this 
as true for all of them — scarcely anybody sick, but few die, aud> the laws of the church exist for 
them as the law of the land. 

In Rose and Dry Valleys some very poor, miserable families were found ranching ; it was their 
expectation that their membe'rs would be increased from the interior. In the latter place a twenty- 
stamp mill, the property of the Meadow Valley Mining Company, and known as the Lyons mill, has 
been erected. Ore from the Pioche mines is being crushed there, with fine results. 

PANACCA. 

The settlement in Meadow Valley is considerably larger than the others mentioned, and was 
established in 186i or 1865. They have laid off the town in streets, and some very fair wooden 
and adobe houses have been built. Among the best of them is a tithing-house, made for the recep- 
tion of one-tenth of all that is produced, and given as a tithing unto the Lord. 

In these outer places that have been settled for a number of years, many trees have been 
planted, which here had grown to a respectable size. "Water running through the streets in open 
ditches, irrigates them so that they maintain a luxuriant growth. The water here is of the same 
nature as that found in Pahranagat Valley, the spring at the head of the town being of about the 
same size as Crystal Spring, in Pahranagat Valley. 

These waters are doubtless from the same source, and all find their way into the Colorado after 
joining forces along the beds of the Muddy and Virgin Rivers. The town will number about four 
hundred people, some few of whom are Gentiles. 

CLOTEE VALLEY 

contains some eight or ten families and from fifty to seventy-five people. Its waters flow to the 
southwest and join Meadow Creek, that, farther on, seeks an underground channel to the Muddy. 
While following down a canon leading from this valley and coming in below Meadow Valley Caiion, 
there wiis considerable pioneering to do ; the animals were getting badly worn out, and the grain 
was exhausted and grass becoming very scarce. It was therefore necessary to push on ahead sev- 
enty-five miles to one of the lower settlements, to purchase gi'ain and have it freighted to the train. 



47 



one of the settlements oa the Upper Muddy, consisting of fifty; or sixty families, and from two 
hundred and fifty to three hundred people. A part of these go north during the summers, which 
are intensely hot in this section. 

At the time of our coming, wheat could be purchased at 5 cents per pound ; previous to our 
departure it was valued at 12i cents, while all the time the relation between supply and demand 
was the same. 

One man at this place was the happy possessor of five wives, two of them being at a northern 
settlement, and twenty-two children of various descriptions and sizes; these were all being reared 
unwashed, unkempt, and untaught. 

SAINT JOSEPH, 

situated midway between West Toint and where the Muddy reaches the Virgin, is a much 
larger place, and numbers some five hundred or six hundred people, when all are at homo from 
the northern country. This place has a post-office regularly established. A nephew of Brigham 
Young lives here, vested with some of the superior functions of church ofiQce. 

SAINT THOMAS, 

is situated at the confluence of the Muddy with the Virgin ; rather a fine-looking place, well 
laid out, with shade-trees along the streets. Its inhabitants number as high as three hundred or 
four hundred altogether, but of the same moving character as the two settlements above named. 
The bishop at this place, and another person, ex-member of the Arizona legislature, received us 
with pleasant courtesy. Near this place au Indian chief named Toshob has his wick-e-ups. 
lie is known to have been engaged with some of his Indians in the Mountain Meadow massacre, 
while the leader of the same was reported to be in a small place called Harmony, some seventy- 
five miles to the northeast, in a state bordering on insanity from remorse for his actions at that 
time. No one can judge of the revolting character of that affair who has not been near the ground 
to learn of the details of the cold-blooded murder of men, women, and children. 

Thus it will appear that the late reconnaissance has developed the fact that there are seven 
Mormon settlements, numbering very neai'ly two thousand inhabitants, that heretofore have been 
supposed, certainly or uncertainly, to be in Utah, that lie beyond a doubt within the domain of 
Nevada. So far they have paid taxes in, and conformed to the laws of, Utah. Some action should 
now be taken clearly defining their status aud place the jurisdiction of both the State and Territory 
upon proper ground. 

That part of Arizona to the north and west of the Colorado Kiver that was ceded by act of 
Congress of 1806 to Nevada, has never been legally accepted by the State, since their constitution 
prohibits the accession of territory in this direction, thereby rendering the action of the State 
officials invalid and liable to be protested iu case of attempting to execute their statutes. 

The Mormons are prospecting for further lands contiguous to their outer settlements, to be 
used as asylums for their constantly thickening popuhition, and it is but a short time ago that a call 
was made for one thousand families to go into Northern Arizona. 

ODOMETER MEASUEEMENTS. 

To show how far these may be depended upon in the field over the variety of roads encoun- 
tered in a mountain region, several rigid tests were made at a number of points, of which the fol- 
lowing is a description. The gait has always been kept at a walk. 

ELKO. 

1. Wheels two days traveled since greased ; over one measured mile on level road, slightly sandy. 

No. 1 odometer on near wheel. 

First reading 3,8-12 

Second reading . . 4, 242 



Diflference = 400 = number of revolutions. 



Note. — The Mormon settlers have been withdrawn from the valley of the MiiiUly, and the West Point, Saint 
Joseph, and Saint Thomas settlements abandoned. An Indian reservation including all of these localities has since 
been set aside by the Government. 



48 



2. Over one-half measured mile, on rolling ground, good road. 

Fo. 1 odometer on near wheel. 

First reading 4, 976 

Second reading. . 5, 177 



Difference = 201 = number of revolutions. 
Average, 401 revolutions. 

Near wheel, 13' 2".208 in circumference; 400.48 revolutions per mile. 
Off wheel, 13' 2".063 in circumference ; 400.85 revolutions per mile. 

CAMP RUBY. 

Wheels one day's travel since greased, over one measured mile, on good, hard, level road. 



No. 1 odometer on near wheel. 

First reading 6,392 

Second reading. . 6, 791 



Difference = 399 = number of revolutions. 
No. 2 odometer on near wheel. 

First reading 6, 536 

Second reading.. 7,931 



No. 2 odometer on off wheel. 
First reading ... 7, 133 
Second reading. 7,533 



Difference = 400 = number of revolutions. 
No. 1 odometer on off wheel. 
First reading... 6,793 
Second reading. 7,192 



Difference=395 = number of revolutions 

Average, 398.25. 

Wheels eased of friction from wooden axle ; freshly greased 



Difference = 399 = number of revolutions. 



1. Oue measured mile through sage-brush. 

No. 2 odometer on near wheel. 
First reading .... 8, 140 
Second reading. . 8, 542 



No. 1 odometer on off wheel. 
First reading. . . 7, 362 
Second reading. 7, 763 



DiSereuce = 402=number of revolutions. Difference = 401 

Average, 401.5 revolutions. 

2. One measured mile, good, hard, level road. 



: number of revolutions. 



No. 2 odometer on near wheel. 

First reading 7, 766 

Second reading. . 8, 166 



Difference = 400=number of revolutions. 



No. 1 odometer on oft" wheel. 
First reading. . . 8, 546 
Second reading. 8,947 



Difference=401= number of revolutions. 



Average, 400.5 revolutions. 

CAMP TWELVE, NEAR HAMILTON. 

From Camp Twelve to stake on hill above Hamilton City. Measured distance, 199.87 chains. 
Wheels not greased for three days. 

Eoad rough, uneven, some parts stony, others sandy ; steep grades. 

1st. On up-hill grade : 
No. 1 odometer : Number of revolutions = 994 = 398.32 revolutions per mile. 
No. 2 odometer : Number of revolutions = 996 = 399.12 revolutions per mile. 

2d. From stake on hill down to camp : 
No. 1 odometer: Number of revolutions = 998 = 399.92 revolutions per mile. 
No. 2 odometer : Number of revolutions = 996 = 399.12 revolutions per mile. 
The same as above, with freshly -greased wheels. 



49 

Ist. Ou upliill grade : 
No. 1 odometer : Number of revoliitious = 997 = 399.52 revolutions per mile. 
No. 2 odometiT : Nmiihi'i- of revolutions = 990 = 399.12 revolutions per mile. 

2d. Uu downhill grade : 
No. 1 odometer: Number of revolutions =99."> = 398.72 revolutions pi r mill'. 
No. 2 odometer : Number of revolutions = 1,000 — 400..'52 revolutions per mile. 
Average, 399.27 revolutions per mile. 

BETWEEN CAMPS FOURTEEN AND FIFTEEN. 

Between mile-posts, measured by eliain, on a hard, somewhat rolling and sligiiUy sandy road, 
l)rincipally down grade. 

liovolulious. 

No. 1 to No. 2 402 



h'cviiliilions. 

No. 4 to No. ') 4(»3 

No. 5 to No. (} 401 

No. 6 to No. 7 402 



No. 2 to No. 3 402 

No. 3 to No. 4 402 

Average, 402 revolutions. 

In remarking upon the results from odometer measurements, two distinct statements must be 
made, 1st, that the vehicle should go always at a walk, since, by increasing the gait, certain irreg- 
ularities of revolution must necessarily occur that will vitiate the measurement ; 2d, that the fric- 
tion on the axle must be thrown out as being an element not easy to determine, and one not 
iutiueucing the result in any appreciable degree so long as the axles are kept in anything like decent 
order. The experiments made near Uamilton show that the results are e(iuable, both in the case 
of using the axles after a three days' march, or a little more than sixty miles, and when freshly 
greased, going to show tliat at least it, has not been necessary to take into account the idea of fresh 
or newly greased wheels. 

It will be seen that in the revolution of a wheel by a horizontal pull that the length passed 
over will exceed the circumference of the wheel on account of the slii)ping or sliding motion. It 
can well be understood that this slii)piiig will be greater in case of rai)id revolutions ; another 
reason that these measurements should be made at a walk. The allowance to be made for a slip, 
determined by experiments made on an Arizona trip in 18GS, varieil from 1.2 to 2.1 per cent., 
while the rigid tests of this year decrease this even to the making the mean allowance nearly per 
cent. I refer this to the fact that in the lirst instance the aniui lis were ilriven at a tr>>t. Hence 
the actual number of revolutions to the mile should be less than the number obtained by using the 
perimeter as the basis; this is found iu practice to be the case, and obtaius in all our tests except 
one at both Elko and Ifaby, and those between camps 14 and I.".. The former were nndimbtedly the 
result of errors of observation; the later arises from the fact that the tire having become worn, 
the perimeter was shortened. Omitting, then, these three cases, we have the percentage to be 
allowed for the slii) as follows, viz: 

Experiments in Ruby Valley on haul rolling road O.li per cent. 

Experiments in ]{uby Valley on level rolling road 0.4 per cent. 

Experiments near 11 iinilton on steep-grade road 0.34 



3)0.98 



Average 0.33 per cent. 

All other things being equal, the slip of the wheel will vary aci^ordiug to the nature of the 
road, increasing as the road bed l)eeomes more heavy, and in very heavy sand special allowance 
has to be made. 

The slip of the wheel for up-grade is found to be greater than for down-grade. 

For the tirst part of the season 401 was the number of revolutions used per mile ; later it was 
found that 400 was a preferable number. 

So great was the accuracy of these measurements that, taken in connectiou with the fact that 
a Casella reconnaissance theodolite was used for the meander of the road traversed, it was unneces- 
7 W 



50 

sary to reduce ineanderliaes by the ordinary process of dead-reckouing, individual judgment for 
the percentage to be allowed being suiBcient to reduce to the points astronomically determined. 

The odometers were attached to a little two-wheeled vehicle constructed for the purpose, which 
was talien charge of by a soldier whose sole duty was to keep account of the distances measured. 
There are difficulties connected with the mechanical contrivances of the odometer. 1st. The leather 
covering, however carefully made, will not keep the dust from working into the interior of the 
instrument on account of the manner in which the frame holding the circles is introduced. 2d. The 
circles themselves work loose from each other for the want of two nuts, one with a right-handed 
screwand the other with a left-handed one, at the back of these plates, for fastening them together. 

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS. 

INSTRUMENTS USED. 

During the field-season cistern barometers, ISTos. 1378, 1555, and 1566, made by James Green, 
New York ; aneroids, Nos. 22 and 37, furnished by Charles G. Ewing, optician, San Francisco ; 
and hygrometers, Nos. 1631 and 2348, by Green, were used. Thermo-barometers, Nos. 1 and 2, by 
Green, were carried to the field, but beyond comparing their indications with those of the cisterns 
at Elko, Camp Ruby, Hamilton, Ice Creek, and Cave Valley, no use was made of them for 
hypsometrical purposes. 

OBSERVATIONS IN THE FIELD. 

Ilourly observations were taken at Camp Halleck from June 16 to June 29, inclusive, and 
at Camp Ruby, Hamilton, and West Point, over intervals of from five to eight days, for the pur- 
pose of securing tables of horary corrections to be applied to observations for hypsometrical 
purposes. On the march tri-daily observations were made at all camps of a day or more, and, at 
camps for one night only, at 7 a. m. and 9 p. m. 

The anei'oids were used only in connection with the odometer for securing an approximate 
profile of the route between camps, the altitudes of which latter were deduced from cistern-barome- 
ter observations. 

These observations have all been reduced and computed, and tlie results appear on the map of 
the reconnaissance. 

COMPARISONS OE BAROMETERS, ETC. 

Before taking the field, the barometers and attached thermometers were carefully compared 
with Green's standard cisiern-barometei', No. 1571, in Colonel Williamson's ottice in San Francisco, 
and their relative and absohite errors deduced. These comparisons extended over an interval of 
nine days, from June 2 to .June 11, 1869, and isicluded cistern barometers Nos. 1566, 1378, 1555, and 
1282, and aneroids 22 and 37. 

At intervals during the season frequent com[)aris;>ns were made to check changes in the zero 
of the scales of the various iustruments; at Elko, Nev., from June 29 to July 3, fifteen com- 
parisons; at Camp Ruby, from July 9 to July 12, twehe comi)arisous ; at Hamilton, from July 
16 to July 21, seventeen comparisons ; at Cave Valley, from August 9 to August 12, nine 
comparisons; at West Point, from September 23 to September 27, fourteen comparisons ; at Las 
Vegas, from October 1 to October 12, sixteen comparisons; at Indian Springs, from October 
26 to October 30, thirteen comparisons ; and at the close of the field-season the instruments 
were again compared with standard 1571 at San Francisco. These comparisons in the case of 
cistern-barometers gave very tav(U'able results, showing but very slight changes in their relative 
errors from transportation, but the aneroids, being mechanical devices, suffered considerable 
shiftings of parts and consciiuent changes in their index errors, other than those due to tempera- 
ture or from want of coni[)ensatiou. The extreme variation in errors throughout the season being 
from +".010 to ".774 for aneroid 22, and from — 0".034 to — 0".186 for aneroid 37, but since these 
changes a;ippar fiom the comparisons to have been gradual, very good results were derived from 
the aneroid work. 



51 







CompariHOna of mercurial cintern 


-barometer with standard Xo. 1571, at San Francisco. 










Hour. 


BAKOMETEIt UNCORUECTED. 


BAROUETKR CORRECTED. 


ATTACHED 


THERMOHETEB. 




Date. 


Stand- 
ard. 


1506. 


1378. 


1060. 


1282. 


Stand- 
ard. 


15C6. 


1378. 


1060. 


1282. 


Stand- 
ard. 


1566. 


1378. 


1060. 


1382. 


June 2.. 


2p. m 


.-10. 042 


30. 030 


30. 036 


30. 072 


30. 044 


29. 92.1 


29.919 


29. 918 


29. 953 


29.927 




72 


o 
71.9 


o 
72.5 


o 
73 


o 
T2 


June 3.. 


9 a. ra 


TO. 04 


30. 040 


30. 052 


30. 076 


30. 050 


29. 942 


29. 947 


29.951 


2.<». 974 


39.951 


65 


65.25 


66 


66.3 


65.4 




2 p. m 


30. 084 


30. 090 


30. 082 


30. 014 


30. 084 


29. 986 


29. 992 


29. 984 


30. 015 


29.987 


65 


64.9 


65.1 


65.5 


64.8 


June 1.. 


9 a. m 


30. 082 


30.08 


30.083 


30. 112 


30. 079 


29. 987 


29. 984 


29. 987 


30. 014 


29.984 


64 


64.3 


64.5 


64.8 


64 




2 p. ni 


31). 0C4 


30. 0.'>8 


30. 033 


30.084 


30.00 


29. 947 


29.941 


29. 939 


29. 964 


29.943 


73.2 


72.1 


73.8 


73.2 


73.1 


Juno 5.. 


9 a. ni . 


30. 088 


30. 082 


30. 086 


■10.114 


30. 090 


29. 980 


29. 980 


29.983 


30.011 


29.989 


66.6 


66.5 


66.9 


67 


66.1 


June 7.. 


9 a. in 


30. 022 


30. 024 


30.022 


30.048 


.30. 019 


20. 924 


29. 927 


29. 923 


29. 948 


29. 921 


64.9 


64.75 


65.5 


65.6 


64.9 




2 p. n- 


30. 002 


29. 994 


29. 998 


;i0. 024 


29. 992 


29.885 


29. 977 


29. 879 


29.904 


29.874 


72.1 


7-2.25 


73.1 


7.3.3 


73.2 


June 8.. 


9 a. m , 


30. 027 


30. 023 


30. 024 


3U. 0.18 


30. 02:t 


29. 919 


29. 915 


29. 914 


89. 948 


29.915 


68.6 


6A5 


69.25 


69.5 


68.6 




2 p. m 


:io. 039 


30. 031 


30. 028 


.30. 0.'.8 


30. 024 


29. 916 


29. 918 


29. 912 


29. 941 


29.910 


70.6 


70.75' 


71.6 


71.5 


70.9 


Juno 9.. 


9 a. ni. 


30. 074 


30. 073 


30. 071 


30. 090 


30. 065 


29. 978 


29. 977 


29. 974 


29. 998 


29.970 


64.4 


64.3 


64.75 


64.9 


64.2 


2 p. m 


30. 070 


30. 073 


30. 0«) 


30. DUG 


30. 009 


29. 961 


29.958 


29. 952 


29. 978 


39.953 


71.5 


71.4 


72.1 


72.5 


71.4 


June 10.. 


9 a. ni 


30. 084 


30. 082 


30. 084 


30.111 


30.03 


29. 99 


29. 988 


29.989 


30, 016 


39.986 


63.6 


63.5 


64 


63.9 


63.5 




2 p. m . 


30. 082 


30. 07.? 


30. 076 


30.1 


30. 076 


29. 974 


29. %7 


29. 966 


29.989 


29. 968 


68.7 


68.7 


69. S 


69.9 


6a 7 


June 11.. 


9 a. m. 


30. 000 


29. 992 


29.993 


30. 026 


29. 997 


29. 907 


29. 900 


29.699 


29.932 


29. 904 


62.9 


62,8 


63.4 


63.5 


63 




Date. 




I 


jiur. 




ERROR OP BAROMETER. 


ERROR OF THERMOMETER. 




Stand- 
ard. 


1566. 


1378. 


1060. 


1282. 


Stand- 
ai^. 


1566. 


1378. 


1060. 


1382. 


























o 















2 p. 
9 a. 
2 p. 
9 a. 
2 p. 
9 a. 








000 


+ .006 
-.005 
—.006 


+.007 
-.009 
+ .002 
+ .000 
+.008 
+.003 


— 028 


- 002 


.000 


+0.1 

-0.35 

+0.1 

-0.3 

+0.1 

+0.1 


—0.5 


- 1.0 


-0.0 














-.032 
-.029 


-.009 
—.001 




-1.0 
-0.1 


- 1.3 

- 0.5 


-0.4 












+ 0.2 














-(-.003 
+ .006 
+ .006 


-.087 
— .017 


+.003 
+.004 
-.003 




-0.5 
-0.6 


- 0.8 

- 1.0 


+0.0 






ni 








+0.1 


June 5. 




m 








-.025 




-0.3 


- 0.4 


+0.5 


June 7 - 


<l n 


m ..... 








—.003 


+ .001 
+ .006 
+.005 
+ .004 


— .024 


+.003 
+.011 
+ .004 
+.006 




+0.15 
+ 0.15 


-0.fi 


- 0.7 


+0.0 






2 p. 

9 a. 
3p 










+ .008 


-.019 




-1.0 


- 1.3 


-0.4 














+ .004 
-.002 


-.029 
-.025 




-0.1 
-0.15 


-0.65 
-1.0 


- 0.0 

- 0.9 


-0.0 






m 








-0.3 






In 










+.001 
+ .003 
+.002 


+ .004 
+ .009 
+ .001 


— .C20 


+.008 
+ .008 
+.004 




+0.3 
+0.1 


-0.35 


- 0.5 


+ 6.2 






2p 
9 a. 


m 








— .017 




-0.6 


- 1.0 


+0.1 


June 10. 




ni 








-.026 




+0.1 


-0.4 


- 0.3 


+0.1 






2p 
9 a. 


ni 








+ .007 
+ .007 


+ .008 
+ .008 


-.025 


+.006 
+ .003 




+0.0 


-0.8 


- 1.3 


+ 0.0 


June 1 1 




m 








-.025 




+0.1 


-0.5 


- 0.6 


-0. I 




















+ .037 
+.0025 


+.057 
+.004 


-.368 


4. .045 




+0.4 


-8.9 


-12.3 


o.u 












- — 


-.02151 -1-.003 






n of l."i nlisfrvationn 




+0.037 


-0.59 


- 0.83 


0.0 




















1 ■ 





Ciimjmrinoi) of lliermo-iarometers witli mercurial-cistern harometer on rcconnain/iance through Southern \erada in 1861). 

CAMT HALLECK. NEV. 





Hour. 


1 

s 

1 

« 

2 
5 


•5 

I 

a 
a 

s 

« 

a 


B B 

li 


No.l. 


No.l. 


No. 2. 


No. 2. 


No. 1. 


No. 3. 


a 

9 

at « 

o 
o 

1 

3 

5 


6 

L 

o 




Date. 


4) 

■s 
s 
s 
1 

6 


f4 

1 

03 

2 

e 


c 

s 

« 

i 

1 

c 
o 


a 

2 

M 

i 

1 
S 

H 


a 

1 
s 

S 

£ 


•s ^ 

= 9 

£ 1 
S i 

s s 

San 


» s s 
III 

a 


Remarks. 


1869. 

June 16 

June 17 


2 p. m 

3 p.m 

3 p. ni .... 

2 p.m 

a p.m 

2 p.m 

3 p.m 

2 p. m 


70.6 
68.8 
63.5 
65.5 
68.6 
74.1 
73.0 
70.4 


24.276 
24.299 
24.389 
24. 525 
24.541 
24. 530 
24.500 
24. 461 


84.187 
24.214 
24.315 
24. 447 
24. 456 
24.433 
24. 406 
24.372 




202.3 

202.41 

202.19 

202.42 

202.44 

202.4 

202.38 

303.3 


Inchet. 
24. 593 
24. 649 
25.537 
24.654 
24. 664 
24, 644 
24.634 
24. 593 


o 
2C0.5 
200. 54 
200.8 
201.3 
201.0 
200. 94 
200. 94 
200.94 


Inches. 
23.697 
23.717 
23.845 
24. 092 
23. 943 
23. 914 
23.914 
23.914 


+ 406 
+ 435 
+ 222 
+ 207 
+ 208 
+ 211 
+ 328 
+ 321 


- 490 

- 497 

- 470 

- 355 

- 513 

- 519 

- 492 

- 458 






Xo. 15G6, thecistcrn- 


June 18 








June 19 






odIv to 3*2^ but 


June 20 






also to Xo. I.')?! in 


June 21 








June 22 








June 23 

















* Mean of six montUd' barometric readinj^fl gives 5,789 feot. 



52 



Comparison of aneroids Xos. 22 and 37 with standard mercurial cistern-liaromeler at office of Bet. Col. H. S. TriUiam>ion, Corps 

of Engineers, San Francisco, California. 



1 

a 

a 

1 

2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 

n 

10 

11 
la 

13 
14 
15 
IC 

17 


4J 

p 


a 


II 
P 


Standard No. 
1571 uncoi-. 
rected. 


% 

3 


d 
'A o' 

i - 

Is 

en 


Aneroid readings. 


Aneroid dift'erences. 


Xo. 22. 


No. 37. 


No. 22. 


No. 37. 


1S69. 
Dec. 6 
Dec. 7 
Deo. 8 
Dec. 8 
Dec. 9 
Dec. 9 
Dec. 10 
Dec. 10 
Dec. 11 
Dec. 11 
Dec. 13 
Dec. 13 
Dec. 14 
Dec. 15 
Dec. 16 
Dec. 16 

r)r.C_ 17 


2 p. m. .. 
9 a. m... 
9 a. m... 
2p.m... 
9 a. m... 
2 p.m... 
9 a. m... 
2p.m... 
9 a. m... 
2p.m... 
9 a.m... 
2 p.m... 
9a.m... 
9 a. m... 
9a. m... 
2p.m... 
9a.m... 


64.4 
57.6 
58.2 
6.'). 1 
56.9 
63.5 
54.5 
60.8 
5,5.0 
59.7 
54.6 
61.1 
56.7 
58.0 
59.0 
65.2 
58.5 


30. 072 
30. 071 
30. 009 
an. 977 
30. 271 
30. 276 
30. 291 
30. 247 
30. 308 
30. 286 
30. 308 
30. 235 
30. 261 
30. 228 
30. 143 
30. 113 
30. 190 


.096 
.078 
.080 
.098 
.076 
.094 
-.070 
.087 
.071 
.084 
.070 
.087 
.076 
.079 
.082 
.098 
.080 


29.976 
29.993 
29. 929 

29. 879 
30. 195 
30. 182 
30.221 
30. 160 
30.237 
30.202 

30. 238 
30. 148 
30. 185 
30. 149 
30. 003 
30.015 
30.110 


29. 219 
29. 220 
29. 221 
29. 221 
29. 220 


30. 166 
30. 189 
30. 063 
30. 061 
30. 379 
30. 371 
30. 400 
30. 341 
30.422 
.30. 384 
30. 424 
30. 340 
30. 371 
30. 339 
30. 200 
30.217 
30. 300 


+.7.'i7 

+.773 
+.708 
+.658 
+.975 


-.190 
-.196 
-.134 
-.192 
-.184 
-.189 
-.179 
-.181 
-.185 
-. 182 
-.186 
-.192 
-.186 
-.190 
-.197 
-. 202 
-.190 

















-. 


























Siim 






+3. 871 
+ .774 


-.3. 1.55 
-0. 1856 

1 



































MINERALS. 

Siuce tbe ilifl'erent forms in which the elements of lauded surface are aggregated determine 
whether we shall have a region agricultural, mineral, or arid, as may be expected, the greatest 
diversity occurs, and experience teaches that agricnltnral and mineral sections are seldom found in 
immediate juxtaposition. 

Southern Xevada undoubtedly possesses all the rights and privileges of a mineral region, and 
beyond that, as a place for tlie aggregation of population, it must always have small weight in com- 
parison to other land-areas of equal size. I do not hesitate to say that the section embraced be- 
tween the 11-lth and 116th degrees of longitude, limited latitudinally by '66° 30' on the south, and 
39° 30' on the north, bids fair to develop and supi)ly more of the precious metals than any 
similar-sized area covered by our survey. 

The minerals found are gold, silver, copper, lead, antimony, iron, salt, gypsum, alum, and 
cobalt; of them all, silver is the most common, and is the principal of the precious metals in all 
the different mining camps, while, so far as the knowleilge is at my disposal, gold is only noticed 
at the Sacramento, Egan, and Groom Districts, and, except at Egan, only in small quantities. 

Silver-ore appears in all its iiiiown forms, the more common being the chloride and sulphide- 
Sulphide is becoming common and rapidly growing into significance as one of the richer das.ses 
of ore, and many a black-looking rock, that would have been thrown away by the early prospector, 
is now found to assay as high as $3,000 or $4,000 per ton. Copper is found native and in the ore 
n the Potosi and Clarke Districts, and at various points along and near the Colorado River; lead, 
as sulphurets, always more or less argentiferous, in some i^laces appears in immense deiiosits and 
veins; these can all ultimately be worked, and to a good profit; the base bullion averaging tioni 
$35 to $2(i() per ton. 

Antimony occurs also with the galena, sometimes to so great an extent as to render flic free- 
ing of the silver-ore a diflicult problem. 

Gyi)snm is found in beds at two places noticed by our parties ; one not far from the old emi- 
grant-road, and about midway between Las Vegas ranch and the crossing of the JIuddy ; and at 
another along Las Vegas Wash. The (piality is apparently inferior. 



53 

A wide \ciii or iron ore was discovered crossing tlie Colorado in tlie midst of A'ir;;in or Boulder 
Cafiou. 

Small beds of alum occur in some of the side canons leadin;;' down to tlie Colorado in the 
vicinity of Virjiin Cafion. 

Salt occurs in deposits as ore in beds and wells. The most remarkable of the deposits is found 
along the Virgin, some five or six miles below Saint Thomas, in a very ])urc form, showing re- 
markable cubical crystallizations. There are two very extensive deposits near the bed of the Itio 
\'irgen, lying between its mouth and the entrance of the Muddy. Near the former point is a large 
and deep salt well, having its upper surface at a distance of about GO feet below the mesa bank. 
A large bed of salt is found in Jiailioad X'alley; tliis, however, is (piite impure, ami only of service 
in the reduction of ores b}' the roasting process. Other beds occur to the north and east of the 
route from Cave Valley to Treuss Lake. 

But to the silver that is to come from thest> rough and rugged hills must we look for the future 
jirosperity of Southern Nevada, and the benefit, both local ami national, that is to be derived there- 
trom. 

So long as it is known that there is still hoi)e of finding a fresh silver deposit, so long will eager 
and industrious men .seek for it and dig it out, and it now seems probable that for long years to 
come the annual silver yield of Nevada will be on the increase. 

The most valuable districts in the area above mentioned that have already been discovered are 
Ely, Morey, Timi)ahute, and Pahranagat. The first i>romises the largest results; the second has 
over six thousand tons of ore in sight, of a very rich quality ; the third has been ^■ery little devel- 
oped, but has line surface indications ; the fourth and last has been developed considerably, and 
shows large veins of low-grade ore. 

The ])rospeets of the next four years, if they continue favorabl<>, ought to induce cai)italists to 
build a railroad line through this country, which will have a tendency to open ni> mines of the low- 
grade ores, that at the present time cannot be worked piofitably. 

Ill VERS, CREEKS, AND SPRINGS. 

Of ri\-ers, within the area embracetl, there are but four, viz, Colorado, llumlioldt, \'irgin, and 
]Muddy. The latter, excei)t in a section bordering upon or in the Great American or some other 
de.sert, would never, even in name, approach the dignity of a river, and in the final maps will be 
changed to " creek." 

Of creeks, there is an abundance in .some localities, in others a remarkable scarcity; varying 
greatly in their nature and extent, at some i>laces confined to the mountains, losing themselves 
before reaching the extremity of the foot-hills; at others stretching farther out only to become 
entirely absorbed after reaching the dry plains. 

It is a noticeable fact that the majority of the mountainrangessiiow more creeks on their eastern 
slopes, a fact easily e\|)lained from the more freipient tilting of the strata in that direction, and 
the conse(iuently greater horizontal extension of the foot-hills. 

The Colorado and Rio X'irgen, in their turn, will receive a succinct descrii>tion. The Humboldt, 
better known, needs none. The Muddy so limited in extent, needs oidy a few words for its source, 
volume, and course. The present recognized source occurs in a number of springs of tepid water, 
near the southern end of the canon called "Arrow Canon," leading out from Pahranagat Valley; 
doubtless these again have their source in Pahranagat Lake, which is fed from the ditt'erent thermal 
springs that start in the valley of that name, which in turn may be fed from the dia in age of Sierra 
Valley, gaining their high temperature in subterranean transit. 

It is not unlikely that similar sources, flowing through other subterranean channels, feed the 
.springs that act as a source to the Muddy, to those of the s[>rings in Pahranagat Valley, yet one 
naturally asks for the outlet of Pahranagat Lake, that receives streams amounting in all to ;!,()(l(l 
inches of water. 

The temperature of the sitrings, so far mentioned, varies fVoni about (>7 - to Ol'^ Fahrenheit, 
the latter obtaining at "Ash Sjuings" in Pahranagat X'alley. 

In the itinerary the fact of the waters rising in Spring or Cedar Valley, above the Mormon set- 



54 

tlement of Homer, aud, finding their way either ou the surface or under ground, to a point some 
four or five miles below West Point; this, theu, may be looked upon as the source of what might 
be termed the Eastern Branch. The main stream has its confluence with the Rio Yirgen about IrJ- 
miles below Saint Thomas, the greater part of the water having been absorbed in the excessive aud 
careless irrigation of the different settlements. 

In the summer season the water remains warm for the whole distance. The rapidity of the 
current atul the looseness of the soil of its banks give rise to the muddy appearance ; hence the name. 

The volume of the flow taken at a point before any of its waters are used for irrigation, will 
at least reach .5,000 inches; this amount is carried in a narrow and deep channel, the bed of which 
has quite a declivity ; hence the great strength of the curreut. The course is about south-southeast, 
and its length from Muddy Springs is about thirty-two or thirtj'three miles, flowing for the most 
part through a narrow valley, surrounded on either hand by a perfect desert of low sand-hills, 
broken earth, and stony mesa, in the background of which appear the dark and .somber mountains 
that rule the horizon supreme. 

A large number of the creeks are formed from the melting of the snows, which, among the iiigher 
ranges, feed a continuous stream for all seasons of the year. Others have their source in mountain 
springs of pure and limpid water. With hardly any exception the character of the water is very pure, 
except here aiul there it is rendered stagnant in pools, or alkaline, on account of infiltration from 
the banks. It is very rare that one finds fish in any of these mountain-streams. A few small trout 
were found to tlie eastward of the Snake range. This does not apply, however, to streams flowing 
from the Humboldt range, that are numerously stocked with an excellent variety of mountain- 
trout. 

It is believed that the waters of the Muddy contain no fish. 

The great variety of springs, as regards their chemical constituents and thermal conditions, is 
truly surprising, as often in the same valley, within a few miles of each other, will be found those 
of the purest and clearest water, and others having various mineral indications affected by a high 
temperature. This was noticed especially in Steptoe Valley. The most remarkable of the thermal 
springs noted is the one at Elko, which, near the summit of a slight sand mesa, comes boiling out of 
the earth and flows into a reservoir apparently eroded for its reception. The water shows indica- 
tions of sulphur quite largely, and doubtless comes from a great dei)tli. 

From springs of this class to those showing themselves in Pahranagat and Meadow Valleys, there 
are found all varieties, some having fpiite high temperature and no mineral, and others impreg- 
nated with minerals and but slightly above the ordinary temperature. 

The warm spring near the stage-road, and about midway between Elko and Hamilton, is a 
characteristic si)ecimen of the former sort. A continual mist rises from the surface, even in the 
heat of the day, and the intermittent thermal action of the waters can be seen at various points of 
the bottom, the water being very clear. Strange enough, there were large numbers of small-sized 
fish playing about in these waters, similar in character to the ordinary chub-sucker, but smaller in 
.size. The few hours permitted for our stay at the place did not allow of getting specimens. 

The celebrated Vegas Springs are of pure, clear water, very slightly above the surrounding 
temperature. Tiieir bottoms are a whitish quicksaiul that continually changes, continued pressure 
of the water forcing itself to the surface, which now and theu in breaking through makes a revolu- 
tion, similar in appearance to what I had imagined for an intermittent flow of lava from an active 
volcano. They are not large in area, but the volume of water will reach as high as 1,500 inches. 
What are called "seep springs" are now and theu found, generally through the aid of Indians, at 
points where one would never dream of tiieir presence, especially when discovered, as they often 
are, among basaltic foothills, completely desiccated and destitute of vegetation. These, however, 
attord so slight an amount of water that they canimt be depended upon for any exigencies of the 
inarch where many animals are in the party, and are simidy reservoirs for the natural moisture that 
is found along the .seams of the rocks composing tht' mountains. Many springs ai))iearing at the 
base of the foot-hills are occasioned by the melting of the snows on the mountains above, that, 
flowing a little distance, disappear, to show themselves again where the surface of the underlying 
rock approaches more nearly that of the soil. 



55 

The walers ari.siiij;- tVotn the sources so far described, mostly sink in tlie valleys before reach- 
ing any recognized outlet to carry them to the sea. 

In the basin draining toward the Colorado, the downfall of its immense watershed reaches 
this river largely underneath the soil, except where, finding a home in natural dei)ressions, it 
remains, giving rise to subterranean basins of water that exist in nearly all the mountain 
valleys. 

At what ilcptli these shall be reached, and at what points they are most accessible, are ques- 
tious that reipiire great practical local study. 

Admitting the practicability of reaching these reservoirs, there can be seen in the future some 
relief to these nianj' desert places from the .sinking of artesian wells, so soon as the development of 
wealth (followed by population) and industry admit of their introduction. • 

COI.OUADO KiVKi;. 

This slicaiu, magnilicent so far as length and extent of country drained can make it so, was 
the southern limit of the ai'ea embraced by the reconnaissance. 

At the immediate point at which it was reached by our parties, some four hundred or live hun- 
dred yards below the mouth of the Itio Virgen, the current is exceedingly rapid, and the width of 
the river not more than one hundred yards. The water is of a yellowish muddy color, hti;;htened 
at this vicinity on account of the waters received from the Hio Virgen ; the banksare somewhat 
steep, the river having encroached concavely into a gravelly mesa, the walls of w hich are from 
tifteeu to twenty feet iu height. At this point everything is a sceuo of wild desolation ; rocky 
and rugged mountains of various colors stand out on either side in the most strange and fantastic 
contour. 

A few miles above this point the river emerges from a slight canon, carved out as it were 
from the Virgen range that from this i)oint follows on to the southward, .soon breaking away into 
low foothills, and then entirely disappearing. 

The Muddy Mountains that, turning to the southwest, cross the Colorado about live or six 
miles below the IJio Virgen, inclose the western and northwestern horizon. A continuation of low 
foot-hills entirely limit the soatliern view, witli no fai' distant peaks, betokening rugged or impass- 
able ranges. 

Wo tried to obtain the services of tlie two M.>nni)n lislienni'ii, who iiiliabiti'd a little hut near 
b\-, w ho.se time was divided between catching poor tish and watching a pile of ore from the Salt Mines, 
distant eight or ten miles above, on the Virgin River, to row one or two of ns as far as Callville; 
but their companion not being with them, they did not dare to leave their n-ndezvous. as both would 
be necdeil iTi order to bring the boat back. This was the occasion of considerable disappointment, 
as I had hoi)ed to be able to give a personal inspection to the chances for navigation tiirough 
Virgin or IJoulder Canon. 

!Mr. Gibbons, while cii route to Join the Arizona assembly, traveled by the river from llie mouth 
of the Virgin to La I'az, passing through the above caFiou, as well as the Ulack Canon, iu a small 
boat, and he assured me that by far the most formidable hinderauces to navigation were to be found 
in the latter. He had no doubt that a steamer drawing not more than twenty-four inches, with a 
powerful engine, could sui-ccsst'nlly jiass both places, when the river is not swollen by the freshets 
occasioned by the melting snows. This cause would impede, if not altogether suspend, na\igation 
during the months of April, JMay, and part of June. The irregularities of tho current and the 
amount of water are not materially changed by the rains that occur in July and January. 

Copper-ore was found near the head of Mrgin Canon ; iron-ore, in a canon leading out to the 
river immediately at the entrance to the cahon ; w hile alum-beds were encountered in a small canon 
leading down to the river, about midway of the Honhler Canon. It would be impossible to build a 
road from the mouth of the Virgin to Callville iu [iroxiiuity to the river. The present one from 
.Saint Thomas to the latter-mentioned point, follows the banks and beds of the Kio Virgen for 
about eight or ten miles, then branches to the southwest over a sand-mesa, and follows winding 
and sandy washes, reaching the Colorado at Callville, a distance of about thirty-live miles. 

Virgin, or Boulder Canon, has been formed by erosion, the sand-mesas giving evidences that 



56 

at one period tbe riverbed was elevated above its present position some four hundred or live hun- 
dred feet. The river widens out somewhat from Callville to the head of the Black Canon, flowing- 
more regularly with less current ; its broader expanse and more regular banks assuming a quiet 
majesty amid its wild surroundings. 

The river-bank was approached by our parties at several points along Boulder Canon, aud at 
none of them was there appearance of any rapids ; the channel was much narrower and the course 
of the river very winding, with the canon-walls near approached. 

Our route from the mouth of the Vegas Wash to El Dorado CaQou took us away from the view 
of the river, the sharp, black peaks of the Black Canon range showing us, however, its position 
and direction. 

^ Following down a series of sandy washes from the summit, that having- been reached spreads 
out upon our horizon the sharp outstanding crests of the Black Mountains, and the valley of the 
Colorado as far to tlie south as the Needles, the river-bank is reached some two or three miles from 
the mouth of El Dorado Caiiou, at which point a quartz-mill was iu oi)eration. 

Here the banks, the width of the river, and the current, are quite simihir to what is found iu 
the vicinity of Camp Mojave. 

The barge being absent down the ri\er, it was iuipossible to make a trip up the river as far as 
Roaring Rapids, as had been intended. 

Along the banks of the Colorado, above the head of Cottonwood A'alley, as high as our first 
point of approach, there is hardly an acre of land under cultivation ; there is no wood, with tlie 
exception of now- and then a stunted mesquite-bush ; the banks, where they are not the solid walls 
of precipitous cafious, are broken gravelly masses, subject to continual changes by denudation. 
Looking for practical results as regards internal communication alone, one is saddened and disap- 
pointed while examining this great river, so magnificent in its solitude. 

Particularly here was felt the want of some oue with the party w ho could give entire and care- 
ful attention to the geology of the many interesting localities where bounteous nature has framed 
the walls upon which so much is written. 

NAVIGATION OF THE COLOEAUO. 

Iu the rei)ort of the Colorado exploring expedition iu charge of Lieutenant Ives, Corps of 
Topographical Engineers, the foot of the Black Caiion was denominated as the practical head of 
navigation. The results of later years show that steamers can go as far as Callville, and the 
itinerary report favors the idea that navigation may be carried as far as the foot of tbe lower main 
or Grand Canon of the Colorado. When the local wants of the surroundings of the Colorado 
between the above limits call for water trausi>ortation, American industry and energy will soon 
develop the means. 

It would seem to be, however, a matter of soiue importance that at least a rude hydrographic 
survey should be conducted, as far as circumstances will permit, iu an upward direction. Judgiug 
from information gleaned here and there, this cannot be carried beyond a distance of about fifteen 
miles above tiie mouth of the Grand Caiion. 

As far as Ell )orado Canon, the navigation of the river is practicable at all seasons of the year 
with such steamers as are at present in use. The season of the year is an element which has (piite 
an important infiuence upon the stage of the river iu the caDous, as doubtless, during the lowest 
water, say for the month of December of each year, no matter how light the draught of the steamer, 
it could not i)ass the bars formed in vicinity of the rapiils; while during the freshets, which occur 
in the sjjriug of the year, upon the melting of the snows iu the mountains, which give a distance 
of fully fifty feet between high and low water mark, navigation must needs be suspended. 

Without a removal of one of the obstructions, the navigation above the foot of the Black Canon 
and to the point mentioned, even for nine montlis in the year, must be carried on at considerable 
hazard ; steamers towing barges and having a higher power, drawing less water than those now 
employed by the Colorado Navigation Company, dimensions of which are given in a rejtort made 
by B\ t. Lieut. Vo\. S. M. Mansfield to the Chief of Engineers in 1S67, can bo used above the foot 
of Black Cnnon to better advantage. 



57 

EIO TTEGEN. 

This river, having its source in the central part of Utah, flowing southwest for a long distance, 
lined here and there witii Mormon settlements, was met by our parties at the mouth of the Muddy, 
some thirty miles above where it enters the Colorado. Its sandy bed, widened by each successive 
freshet, changeable on account of quicksands, carries its channel now to the one, now to the other 
side with a tortuous elasticity, and most of the crossings are uncertain because of changes in the 
banks and beds of quicksand. The volume is not great at this season of the year (October.) Head- 
ing toward the Colorado and traveling for five or six miles the famous Salt Mountain is readied, 
noted for its crystals of very pure rock-salt. This is the property of the IJyko Silver Mining Com- 
pany, and is used by them in their mining operations in the Pahranagat District. 

Some notion had been entertained of freighting the ores from this enormous deposit via the 
Colorado and water transportation to a market, but will doubtless bo abandoned, since the expense 
of placing the ore at the mouth of the Virgin Eiver would be nearly as great as the cost per pound 
of salt at any point where there is a large market. Still following the river and coming to within 
eight miles of its mouth, on the left bank a salt mine is found, not so pure as the crystals found 
and mentioned above, but running as high as 80 per cent., while the other reaches as high as 90 
per cent. 

On an extensive mesa, quite near the mouth of the river, is a salt well apparently of great 
depth, not large in diameter, and having the surface of its water about 40 feet below the level of 
the mesa. The water, though very clear, is terribly saline, as is also that found segregated in small 
pools along the river-wash, which " alkalis" animals, as it is termed, so badly that a few draughts 
prove fatal. This well is probably the recipient of drainage, not alone from these pools and the 
bed of the river, but possibly from the salt luines themselves. Below this mesa and on the banks 
of the fast-flowing Colorado a hut was found, inhabited by two Mormon tishermen. They looked 
upon themselves as the nucleus of a civilization to be established on the banks of the Colorado, 
and by following the same active industry evinced in many of their semi-desert towns, they may 
perhaps establish a little settlement here. 

TIMBEE. 

The locations at which timber, of any size, can be found throughout Southern 5?evada, are few 
in number and of simple description. 

Along the Humboldt range, from Camp HaUeck to AYhite Pine District, no timber of any size 
or large amount appears. A small mill in Ruby Valley, some ten or twelve miles above old Camp 
Kuby, was at work sawing out narrow boards from a variety of short-leaved yellow-pine, something 
between the ordinary scrub and the long-leaved or yellow southern pine ; the tcuuks being of 
irregular size and very full of knots. 

On the western side of the mountains, facing Railroad Valley, from twenty to thirty miles 
below Hamilton and near the source of Currant Creek, several mills had sawed out, for building- 
purposes about the AVhite Pine District, large quantities of a similarkindof lumber, but of generally 
better average quality. In the vicinity of the Robinson District the true yellow-pine is found in 
large quantities, extending over a considerable area ou the eastern slope of the I-lgan range, inter- 
spersed here and there with patches of mountain-fir. 

The next we encounter is to the north and east of the Patterson District, and about eight or 
nine miles distant, near the source of Benson's Creek. A small steam saw-mill was at work at this 
place, as also at the Robinson District, upon Murray's Creek. 

Directly to the north of the Shoshone District, and on the western slope of the Snake range, 
some of the ravines are thinly studded with piue of good growth, interspersed with fir, also spruce 
and hemlock. The quantity in this locality is not large, but sufficient in amount for all local pur- 
poses connected with the development of the mines in the vicinity. 

Going south on the lino farthest east, the only timber along the route, prior to reaching the 
Colorado, was found in ravines to the south and east of Clover Valley. A small mill was steadily 
employed at this point furnishing lumber for the various Mormon settlements within a radius of 
fifty to seventy-five miles. 
8 w 



58 

On Liexitenant Lockwood's route between Cave Camp and the headwaters of the Muddy, 
timber was encountered at three different points : first, about twelve miles below our camp in Cave 
Valley, to the west and opposite to the Patterson District ; second, on the Pahranagat range, in 
the vicinity of the Great Quartz Mountain ; and on the same range, some thirty-five to forty miles 
northwest from West Point. 

The supply is quite large at the first and third points, while 750,000 feet will be the superior 
limit in the vicinity of the Pahranagat mining-camp. The last situation is upon the eastern slope 
of the Spring Mountain range, and nearly fifty miles in a northwest direction from Las Vegas. 
The amount far exceeds that found at any of the other points, and will not be limited by 3,000,000 
feet of lumber. 

The pines are of very large diameter and of extreme lengths. Spruce and hemlock show them- 
selves to a considerable extent. The only black birch and poplar encountered during the trip 
were found in this locality in small quantities. 

It will be seen that with the exception of two instances the timber-patches of this entire sec- 
tion are on the eastern slopes of the mountain-ridges, as it is natural to expect, from the formation 
of the foot-hills. 

Nut-pine and mountain-cedar abound in frequent localities, and will become of great value as 
fuel in many places where now only the former aflbrd the pine-nuts as a sustenance to the Indian. 
These are large enough in many places to act as timbering for the mines. 

It becomes painfully evident that in event of the development of the various mining sections, 
'umber, always scarce, will of necessity command high prices and entail serious hindennce and 
discomfort. This was noticed to a remarkable degree in the early days of White Pine, when lum- 
ber was worth two hundred to three hundred dollars per thousand, allowing the shipment of it by 
rail from the Sierra Nevada to Elko, on the railroad, thence by freighting to White Pine, with large 

profits. 

GAME. 

Southern Nevada cannot be said to be abundant in game in any of its localities. Among 
large game there the deer and antelope are noted. The latter, once abundant in some of the 
valleys, have been driven away by the approach of civilization. Small droves of five or six were 
seen occasionally upon the route, but always at distances out of ordinary rifle-shot. The deer that 
now remain have been hunted to the mountains and ravines by the Indians, and are as rare as are 
the summer rains of this climate. They no longer go in herds, but separate, two by two, to seek 
secure retreats. 

Among the small game are found duck, geese, crane, sage-hen, grouse, quail, jack and cotton- 
tail rabbits. In some sections the duck are very plenty ; especially in Kuby Valley, at Duckwater 
inPailroad Valley; also in Spring, Snake, and Meadow Valleys. They appear in turn at most of 
the valley locations where there is clear and living water. They were noticed in the greatest num- 
bers among a nest of lakes in the depression of the valley immediately to the eastward of Pat- 
terson District, one of their great breeding-grounds. 

The principal species are the teal, mallard, and canvas-back; varieties of each were noticed, 
the former predominating. Geese, more migratory in their habits, were rarely seen, except upon 
their march for the southward, upon our return, having come from points further north on their 
way to a winter resort. 

Now and then small parties of large sand-hill cranes were encountered, always so shy that no 
success followed any of the attempts to capture them. 

The sage-hen, so well known in Nevada, are found more or less in nearly every one of the 
valleys, and if not too far advanced in age make a very good dish for the hungry traveler. 

Grouse only appear high up among the mountains, where timber is found, and hence at very , 
few points. They are perhaps the most delicate eating of any of the small game and the most 
ditlicnlt of capture. 

(iuail are not met with until the latitude of about 37° 30' is reached. From this section to the 
southward as far as the Colorado occasionally flocks of small size show themselves. The varieties 
are those known as the ordinary California quail, somewhat smaller than those found in the Eastern 
States. 



59 

Rabbits now and then occur, but they are annually decimated by the Indians, who kill them 
constantly and pcisistently. 

To the sportsmen duck-shooting offers the most legitimate field for pleasure. 

An ordinary traveler passing through the country and dei)ending ni)on game for his food 
would probably starve; even the Indians, tiie most expert and incessant of all hunters, are obliged 
to gather pine-nuts, to supply in a great measure the necessity for food. 

MOUNTAIN-ROADS. 

These above latitude 37° are better than the average of Nevada roads, as by skirting the foot- 
hills and keeping out of the low ground, where the presence of alkali is nearly always noticed, 
quite a firm bottom is found. 

Constant travel, however, after a short time wears the road-bed, giving rise to a great amount 
of pulverized material which acts as dust in dry seasons, and as mud upon the advent of the rains. 
This is peculiarly noticed along the stage-roads from Elko to White Piue, where much freighting 
has been done. 

Over a road similar to the one following down Steptoe Valley, a march of twenty miles for a 
loaded wagon is accomjilished with as nuich ease as one of fifteen miles on a route similar to that 
along the valley of the (Jila, in xirizona, fur instance ; this same ratio may be said to obtain between 
the roads in the section above mentioned and those in Southern California and Arizona, generally. 
Below latitude 37^ quite a change is uoticed ; sandy washes, broken mesas, and alkali spots becom- 
ing more frequent. 

The grades going to the northward also become heavier, and there exists, until the Colorado is 
reached, a more rapid decrease in altitude. This latter is a point of no disadvantage, since the greater 
part of the travel, present and future, is liable to be to the southward. A strip nearly parallel to 
the river and to the north and westward may be said to be almost impassable for roads, execiit in a 
northerly and southerly direction, and this only upon taking advantage of winding washes and 
steep box-caiions. 

The road from Saint Thomas to the mouth of the Virgin, following for a greater part of the 
distance the partly overflowed bed of the river, would likely be nearly impassable during the sea- 
son of the floods. At those times a route following the broken and sandy mesas of the right bank 
must be sought out. 

It will hardly be possible to get through a decent track for wagons from the lower end of 
Meadow Valley to the settlements on the Muddy ; if it is ever done, the first labor will be exces. 
sive, and the resulting road will be but an indifferent one, if passable at all. 

The road from Toano to the mouth of the Virgin is an excellent one until the lower end of 
Pahrauagat Valley is reached ; thence to the headwaters of the Muddy some sandy stretches are 
crossed ; from the latter point until the Virgin River is reached, only a few sandy spots are 
encountered, so that for the whole distance there is not more than forty to forty-five miles of difH- 
cult travel. 

The route traversed of late from Elko via White Pine, Railroad Valley, and Las Vegas is a 
d fficult and desolate one. Some parties pushing out from the lower country have reached the 
Colorado at the mouth of the Virgin, and were obliged to follow as near the river as possible until 
Hardy ville was reached before a crossing could be efl'ected. So soon as the connection can be maile 
from the mouth of the Virgin to the military road leading to Prescott, a through route of consider- 
able service in the future will be established. 

CAVE IN CAVE VALLEY. 

Onr anticipations had been greatly aroused by varied reports of a cave near the Patterson 
Mining District, for the greater i)art unexjilored, and supposed to be of grand magnitude. Ai-cord- 
ingly, upon arriving in its vicinity and pitching our tents within some three hundred yards, our 
next eflbrts were toward fitting up a party to make a thorough exploration. We were fortunate in 
securing the services of au old Indian of the Gosiute tribe, named Anzip, who professed a 



m 

thorough knowledge of the subterranean windings, and to bo conversant also with the various 
Indian traditions that attribute strange characteristics to the locality. 

As we gather round the camp-fire dinner he relates to our interi^reter in his native tongue tbe 
various wonders of this underground world. The principal tradition runs that far within the cave 
they come upon a new and grand world where a race of white people live having fair fields and 
flowers, grassy lawns and cool fountains, with a vast profusion of magnificence ; that at one time 
and another the Indians who have ventured within their confines have been taken and made pris- 
oners, never being allowed to return to their tribes. In all during his remembrance six had been 
so taken, and the various lodges mourned their loss and were desirous that some strong power like 
our own should go to demand their return. 

The intense excitement of Anzip's imagination depicted so truthfully upon his swarthy features 
was highly interesting, connected with his earnest and gesticulating manner. When we would 
seem to doubt his re-asserted tale he was so terribly angry that, being afraid that he would abandon 
us as guide, we gave tacit consent to his various narrations. Our old guide " Pogo " has told us 
that within the memory of his mother, now very aged, two squaws had been taken upon entering 
tbe cave, and, after an absence of four years, were sent back to the outer world, clad in the finest 
of buckskiu, covered with hieroglyphics of the race who had for that time held them in bondage. 
They professed to have been well treated and to have lived in a pleasant land. Again two more 
had disappeared in the same way and were never heard from again. 

These and various other stories served to while away the twilight hour of the evening before 
our visit to the above locality. Our party numbered twenty-three, well supplied with all necessa- 
ries, such as candles, ropes, and arrangements for measuring and making a survey. We made an 
early start, and were out of the light of day between six and seven hours. Our measurings made 
the cave no longer than 3,000 feet, and for the last 1,000 feet the novelty had greatly worn away, when 
we found ourselves crawling among the slime of some of the worst imaginable clayey sediment. 
For 700 or 800 feet from the entrance everything was dry, the walls high, and several compart- 
ments were quite interesting ; beyond that the humidity and mud commenced, and upon our return- 
ing to the outer air our persons were more of a curiosity than the cave itself. 

Our guide got along very well for about two thousand feet ; then he commenced to get excited 
and bewildered, constantly threading various labyrinths and returning to the place of departure. 
This mistake could have happened to any one, only that we had left marks here and there easily 
to be recognized. 

Every channel was closely examined, and all were found to exhaust in the solid wall of the 
surrounding lime. One deep well was found that apparently extended downward for seventy feet, 
at which point the lead sinker struck either the bottom or a projecting shoulder. 

A plan of the cave, as well as a view of the buttes in which it is situated, will appear in Vol. 
I of the Survey Eeports, The sketch indicates that the subterranean opening extends as far as 
these buttes, which are situated some three or four miles from the high peaks of the adjacent 
Schell Creek range. 

We came out and returned to our camp, weary, covered with mud and slime, and with every 
particle of romance eliminated from us, and to wonder that there ever could be a race so imagina- 
tive and speculative in everything that is absurd as the Indian. 

ROUTE TAKEI^ BY EMIGRANTS PERISHING IN AND NEAR DEATH VALLEY. 

These parties, consisting of as many as forty wagons and one hundred and fifty souls, having 
crossed the plains and reached Salt Lake, passed to the south and west through some of the Mor- 
mon settlements until the vicinity of Meadow Valley was reached. From this point a Mormon, 
named Bennett, was to guide them through to California. Passing to the westward of Meadow 
Valley, a spring in the foot-hills of the continuation of the Schell Creek range, now known as Bennett's 
Spring, was reached ; from this point the guide seemed to have no definite knowledge of the route, 
and, bearing to the north and west, they wandered on a desert track until the sink of Sierra Creek 
was reached. At this place Bennett entirely deserted them, leaving behind him no information, 
and the parties themselves at a poor and sterile camp, while he returned to some of the settlements, 



61 

where ho is still livinfr. Starting out from Sierra Creek, and traveling nearly cine west, they wan- 
dered over the mountain desert, tra%-eliug for the most part well down in the valleys, not realizing 
that more frequently the water must be sought up among the foot hills. Sulfering soon arose, and 
the large party broke up into several small ones, wandering hero and there until the men, exhausted 
by thirst and fatigue, and the animals for the want of sustenance and water, the great Death Valley 
of Southwestern Xevada made for them a grave. 

Chance parties of prospectors and explorers have found the bones of the men and animals and 
remnauts of the wagons at desert points as far to the southwest as Death Valley proi>er, in Cali- 
fornia. Iron tires taken from the old wheels were found by us at the mines in Meadow Valley 
and at Las Vegas llanch. 

An old Indian once told our interpreter that he had followed after the parties, wishing to give 
information in regard to the springs, but that they were nmcli afraid of liim and would not let liim 
come within hailing distance, preferring to perish in the rough, wild desert rather than trust them- 
selves in the hands of the treacherous Indians. Their loss is a sad example of the misfortunes of 
mountain travel, where, with no one to lead, and no prior knowledge of the country, parties may 
meet with the most intense hardship and sutTeriug, if not, as in the above case, the most wretched 
of deaths. 

OLD SALT LAKE ROAD. 

This was crossed by us in the field of our explorations at two poiuts, one a little below AVest 
Point, on the Muddy, the other at Las Vegas Ranch. 

This road, so much used at one time in the winter season by the Jlormous in freighting into 
Southern Utah, is long, and sandy in the extreme. The stretches between waters from the Cajon 
Pass to Saint George are long and tedious, and the camps, at which glazing and wood are scarce, 
numerous. Its former uses no longer obtain, as it is found much cheaper to freight to the most 
remote and southern settlements in Utah from the Central Pacific Railroad. 

Callville was established with the hope that water-facilities might lighten the extravagant 
prices of all supplies freighted in by land from the California coast, but before the completion of 
even a landing or a store-house, w^as abandoned. 

ROUTES TRAVERSED BY MORMONS IN 18.17. 

The ^lormons, looking forward to active operations with the troops ordered to their section 
under General Johnston in 1857, and for secure shelter in case of being driven from their mount- 
ain homes, sent out two expeditions to seek for fertile mountain retreats to the westward. 

Oue party, consisting of twenty-six wagons, leaving Beaver City passed west to Hawawah 
Springs, then across Desert and Lake Valleys, until the pass where the Patterson mines now are 
was found. 

Beyond this point the route was the same as the one followed by onr parties from Steptoe Val. 
ley, which inviting valley having been found by them, they returned upon nearly the same route. 

The other party, leaving the settlements farther to the south along the valley of the Upper Rio 
Virgen, made their way into what is now known as Meadow Valley, thence to Pahranagat Valley, 
and, passing to the northward, reached Sierra Valley, an uninviting situation ; thence they found 
their way to the tracks of the other parties, and made their return upon them. 

Our return trip from Hawawah Springs to camp in Cave Valley, followed their route very 
nearly. 

MAPS. 

The maps, carefully compiled from the original data, giving details of the topography, will 
appear, *one upon a scale of 1' to six miles ; another, upon a scale of 1' to twelve miles. 

The elevations along a line projected for a railroad to connect the Central Pacific Railroad with 
the Colorado, are shown on a special profile map. 

Great care has been exercised in the topographical details, and the attempt has been made to 
exhibit the light and shade as it actually falls upon the mountains when the sun occupies a position 
* The map apon the scale of 1' to six miles has never been pablisbed. 



62 

45° from the meridiaD, which improves the appearance of the map, and does not consume the time 
necessary for mathematical hachuriug.* 

NAEEOW-GAUGE RAILWAYS. 

Since the writing of my preliminary report in the fall of 1869, much iuformatiou has been 
gathered and progress made in the introduction of narrow-gauge railways into this country. Sev- 
eral narrow-gauge tracks have been constructed, notably those iu Utah reaching from Bingham 
City to a point in Cache Valley at the north ; from American Fork, and to the vicinity of the mines 
in the American Fork Caiion ; in Colorado, from Denver to Pueblo, known as the Denver and 
Kio Grande Railway, and from Golden City to Central City, and to Floyd's Hill and Clear Creek 
CaSon, These roads prove available and economical. The latter relation applies to their con- 
struction and repair, and to the current expenses of the road. Tlie highest grade reached on the 
American Fork road is two hundred and ninety-six feet per mile. This has been found practicable 
with ordinary traction-engines. Considerable has been written as to the utility of introducing 
narrow-gauge roads as a means of transit for jjassengers and freight. Nothing definite appears 
to have been decided upon as to the width of track, size and power of engine, accommodations for 
passengers, the capacity of freight-cars, &c., most desirable to answer all the wants of a varied 
travel and traffic. It is a notable sign of the spirit of the times, however, that the Erie Road, long 
run upon the wide gauge similar to that first introduced into England, where latterly with success 
narrow gauges have been introduced, has made arrangements to change its gauge so that it may 
be uniform with the ordinary broad-gauge roads of the country. In my belief, the introduction of 
this class of tracks, not exceeding three feet in width, with rolling-stock to match, will mark an 
era of competition among lines of transportation most beneficial to interior commercial interests. 

WHEELER'S PEAK. 

This name has been given to the most elevated point of the Snake range, which is one of the 
highest crests between the Sierra Nevada and Wahsatch. It was found by careful barometric 
observations to be thirteen thousand and sixty-three feet above sea-level ; corroborated by angles of 
elevation taken from points whose altitudes were determined barometrically, thereby checking errors 
that are likely to arise from the use of barometric results at such large altitudes. Some peaks iu the 
Uintah range, I am informed, have been found by the geological survey of the 40th parallel to 
exceed fourteen thousand feet ; others on the Humboldt range approximate thirteen thousand feet, 
but none are found to exceed that height. 

Our party, consisting of Rev. Mr. White, acting geologist. State of Nevada ; Lieutenant Lock- 
wood, Messrs. Hamel and Rahskopff, and the guide, Mr. Butterfiekl, all succeeded in reaching the 
top on the morning of the second day, having left camp at Rattlesnake Springs at 2 p. m. Messrs. 
White, Lockwood, and myself reached the summit at 8 p. m. same evening, but were obliged to 
return to the limit of vegetation for food and fuel. 

Meteorological observations were taken during the day, as well as those for time and latitude; 
the latter have doubtless seldom been attempted at a greater altitude. The party by mutual con- 
sent, and at the suggestion of Professor White, proposed that hereafter this point should be called 
Wheeler's Peak,t which name has been adopted upon the map. 

REPORT OF LEEUT. D. W. LOCKWOOD, 

Headquakters Departjvient of Calipoenia, 

Sa7i Francisco, Cal., January 25, 1870. 
Sir : I have the honor to submit the following report of special reconnaissances made under 
my charge, in compliance with instructions received from you at various times during the progress 
of your exploration from the White Pine mining district to the Colorado River, and return ; the 

* Several manuscript maps have been prepared, the iuformatiou upon which has been introduced upon the later 
atlas-sheets or may be made available iu further publications. 

tThis peak has been called iudiscrimiuately, on published maps, Uuion or Jeff Davis Peak. 



63 

first being from Cave Valley, near Patterson, to tbc Muddy Eiver via Hyko, and undertaken in 

obedience to tbe following order: 

Camp neajc Cave, Cave Valley, Nevada, 

Jugutl 31, 18C9. 
Special Field Orders, ) 
No. 10. S 

Lieut. U. W. Lockwood, United States Engineers, will proceed from the Cave in Cave Valley to make a careful 
reconnaiH.sanco of tlio country duo .south, pasdinj; through Paliianagat Valley to Saint ThomaH, at junction of Virgin 
and Muddy Rivers. Mr. Ivah.MkiiiilV will act as topographer. Thu auilmlance driven by Davis and the heavy wagon 
driven by James Kelly will accompany him. The followiug-namcd soldiers will act as escort, &c. : Corporal Augustine 
Myers, Company H, Eighth United States Cavalry ; Privates William Kauisay and Otto Behrcnd, Company 1, Twelfth 
Infantry, and Marion Minnel, Kdward Leach, Kdnnind Wildenmuth, Charles M. Jones, James Smith, John Kelly, and 
ITrancis Johnson, Comjiany II, Eighth United istates Cavalry. 

Geo. M. WiiKELEU, 

Lifulenanl of Eiitjineert. 

As directed, I left camp at the Cave on the morning of the 1st of September, 1869, and taking 
a southeasterly course, crossed the Egau range of mountains through a somewhat high and dillicult 
pass, entering Sierra Valley near Butterfield Springs, at which place the first camp was made, dis- 
tant about twenty-one miles from the camp at the Cave. 

The SieiTa Creek takes its ri.se near this point, and is fed by a series of springs, .some cold and 
others warm, which break in the foot-hills on the western slope of the Egau mountains. The warm 
springs are about one mile south of the first camp. 

The couutry in this vicinity is of a very alkaline character, and the creek, after continuing for 
tweuty-five or thirty miles down the valley, sinks ; its whole course being marked by a heavy 
growth of tales. The sink varies in locality at difterent seasons of the year, being due to the 
varying quantity of water supplied by the springs. The original bed of the creek extends for 
some distance below where there are any indications of water Laving been within a recent time- 
The road down the valley skirts along the foot-hills, and, crossing the dry bed of the creek, passes 
over a low divide, entering Coal Valley. There are few indications of a road leading from the creek 
to the divide, however, while a clear and distinct track leads t)lV to the left through a perfectly 
desert valley, about thirty miles iu extent. By reason of some misunderstanding of tbe directions 
given by the guide, the latter-mentioned road was taken, and tlu^ result was that, after making a 
march of over thirty miles, a portion of the train was at liiitterlield Sjirings again, and the remain- 
der at the .sink, having been compelled to turn back, the mules having given out, so that the heavy 
wagon was left in the desert twenty-five miles away. This nutrch occupied two days, and was 
made without forage or water for the aninuils. 

The next move was down the course of the creek, and from thence across couutry to the main 
road leading to Simmond's Springs. This latter course is uudoid)tedIy the best one for wagons 
not too heavily loaded, as the distance from Butterfield Springs to Simmond's Springs is tiK) great 
a distance for one day's march by the regular road, and, althougli the way by the crerk is a trifle 
greater, the distance between the watering-places is less. Simmond's Spring is of very little account 
during the summer, as the supply of water is very limited and of poor quality. 

From this point the road turns otf somewhat to the west, and, crossing a broken range of mount- 
ains by an extremely ditUcult pass, comes out iuto Pahranagat Valley, tiie upper portion of whi(;h is 
nothing but a heavy sandy wash. 

Owing to the many delays that had already occurred, it was not until late in the night of the 
flth of September that the whole party had arrived at Hylvo, which by regular marches, with every- 
thing in good order, ought to have been accomplished iu four days. 

HYKO. 

The village of Hyko is situated near Hyko Spring, and contained at this time from two hun- 
dred and fifty to throe huiulred souls, including the miners at Silver Canon. The population 
varies continually with the mining excitements .si)ringing up in ditferent parts of the State. The 
same might be said of the town itself, as at the breaking out of the White Pine excitement houses 
were taken to pieces and transported entire to the latter place. 

The Hyko Silver Mining Company owns nearly all the mines in the district, and has erected a 



64 

fine ten-stamp mill, with all the modern improvements, for milling silver-ores. The supply of water is 
ample, and the only disadvantage connected with the mining interests of this district is the distance 
of the mines from the mill, which cannot probably be obviated. 

The mines are located to the east of Great Quartz Mountain, and extend in an almost continu- 
ous line of cropping for the distance of five miles to the south. The ore is generally of a rather low 
grade, but can be obtained in almost any quantity, so that in case the cost of milling can be reduced 
to a reasonable figure, there is every prospect of success for the comjiany, which has done so much 
to develop the interest, in every respect, of the district and surrounding country. The distance 
from the mines to the mill is about twelve miles. 

The ranches, lower down the valley, furnish forage and provisions sufficient for the maintenance 
of a much larger settlement, and prices are consequently very reasonable. 

Plenty of timber is found in the vicinity of Great Quartz Mountain, and the foot-hills on either 
side of the valley are, as a general thing, covered with a fine growth of bunch-grass. 

So much time having already elapsed since leaving the Cave, it was not deemed advisable to 
make a longer delay here than was positively necessary ; for this reason, I was unable to visit the 
mines, and on the morning of the 11th started down the valley, passing Crystal Spring, estimated 
to flow one thousand five hundred inches; Ash Spring, two thousand inches ; and at night camped 
at a point on the road a short distance above the lake, near a small spring of brackish water. 
Throughout the day the road had led by a succession of ranches which all api^eared to be in a 
thriving condition ; barley, wheat, potatoes, and melons being the principal productions. The 
valley is from three-fourths to one and one-half miles wide, and in consequence of the great supply 
of water from the various springs along its whole extent, and the steady fall to the south, irrigation 
is rendered comparatively easy. The lower portion of the valley is much more alkaline than near 
the village, while below the lake, which is very strongly alkaline, there is very little cultivatable 

land. 

Coyote Springs were reached on the evening of the 12th, but a delay of one day was rendered 
necessary in consequence of the heavy character of the road, part of the load of the heavy wagon 
not getting into camp until the night of the 13th. At this place very little grass was to be found, 
and that of a character not suited to what was needed for animals that were so reduced as those in 
the train were by this time ; the water was of a very poor quality, being stagnant, of a greenish 
color, and filled with insects and tadpoles. A very curious feature of these springs is that in the 
different holes that have been dug on the slope where the springs are located, the water does not 
stand at the same level, although in some cases the holes are separated only by a distance of ten 
feet and even less. 

The next march was to what are termed the Pockets, the water being that which has fallen 
dui'ing the rainy season and collected in a narrow caiion, through which the wash from the Hyko 
Lake to the Muddy runs ; it was very muddy and literally alive \yith tadpoles. \No grass whatever 
was found here. 

The next day's march was to West Point, on the Muddy Eiver, over a rough mountain road 
and through heavy sandy washes. The road passes around Arrow Canon, leaving it to the right. 
This caiion is one through which the main wash runs, and is so named from the fact that the Indians 
of this vicinity, in passing through it, always shoot an arrow into a cleft in the rocks high up, for 
some superstitious reason that I was unable to learn. 

The road after reaching the valley of the Muddy is good until reaching West Point, four miles 
farther down. 

There can be no doubt but that the real headwaters of the Muddy Eiver are at and near Hyko, 
as the heavy wash from Hyko Lake down to the Muddy Springs shows that formerly a considerable 
body of water must have passed down to the Colorado Eiver by this course. 

There are also indications of water existing at no great depth in several places along the dry, 
gravelly bed of the wash, as shown by willows growing and remaining green during the extreme 
heat of the summer. The temperature of the water at Hyko Spring is about 78° Fahrenheit, while 
at the Muddy Springs it is 87°. 

Upon leaving camp at the Cave it had been deemed certain that a junction would be effected 
with the main party before the 15th September, and in consequence rations had been taken for only 



65 

fifteeu days, so that upon arriving at West roiiit on the evening of tlie loth the supplies were 
nearlj- exhausted, and no news had been heard regarding the whereabouts of your eoniuiand. 
Scarcely anything in the way of subsistence stores could be obtained of the Mormons; their cattle, 
of which they had (jnite a number, being prized too highly to admit of their ever killingone, unless 
for some possible reason which, unfortunately lor us, was not considered to exist while wc were 
there. They had no bacou to sell, and apparently but very little bad ever been in the town, mid 
that brought them by parties traveling south. Tlie only articles, in fact, t'lat conld be obtained were 
water-melons and squashes. 

WEST POINT 

is situated about five miles down the valley from Muddy Springs, on a low mesa near the river. The 
houses as a general thing arc made of small willows wattled together. The inhabitants appear to 
be of the lowest class, and but little superior to the Indians of the vicinity, so far as general cleanli- 
ness is concerned. They cultivate the bottomlands near the town and use the ujjper portion of the 
valley for grazing. The crops did not appear to be very large, but will increase in time by cultiva- 
tion, as the alkali in the soil, in this way is, to a certain extent, eliminated. No potatoes to speak of 
have as yet been grown at this settlement. 

On the morning of the IGth September we left camj) at West Point and proceeded down the 
valley, the road running near the river until reaching a point about four miles below, where the road 
from Salt Lake to Los Angeles crosses the Muddy. Here the river runs through .several narrow, 
precipitous canons, and the road passes around through the hills. Tlie sand was so deep and heavy 
that the wagon had to be jiaitly unloaded, and even then, after i)roceeding about half a mile, the 
mules gave out completely, and I was reluctantly conipcllod to turn back and encamp near the river, 
at which place we were wiien, in the afternoon ui>on your arrival, you assumed command, 

KKCAPITULATION. 

KOAUS. 

The road from the Cave to the Jluddy Jviver is quite practicable for wagons not heavily loaded, 
and the Journey can lie made readily enough in .seven or eight days provided the animals can have 
grain. At most of the places grass can be found, although in some instances, as at Simmond's 
Spring, it is some distance from where the camp would usually be made. The hardest marches are 
from the slough of the Sierra Creek to Simmond's Spring, and from Coyote S]uing to the ^luddy. 
The pass to the north of Byko is very difficult in places, but by partly unloading and making an 
extra trip, the march may be accomplished. The heavy sand below llyko Lake will always render 
this portion of the route very severe, as the steady, constant strain ujion the teams soon tells upon 
them. 

AVATICI!. 

At Butterlield Springs, along Sierra Creek, throughout Jlyko \alley, and at the Pockets, 
(generally,) there is plenty of water. At Simmond's and Coyote Springs there is usually sufficient 
for only eight or, at most, ten animals, and iu case of much travel not enough for that number, as 
the water only collects slowly. There is more or less alkali at all the places mentioned, and it has a 
very bad elVect upon animals not aecnstomed to drinking water im])regnated with it. 

GRASS. 

The ordinary bunch variety is found generally throughout the whole route, growing in nearly 
all eases upon the foothills, iu some instances at a considerable distance from the camp.s. The 
whole course of Sierra Creek affords plenty of grass, but it is of an alkaline character, and, to 
animals unaccu-stomed to it, furnishes very little sustenance. At Simmond's Springs none was 
found, although 1 was told there was bunch-grass within a mile or two. Tliroughout Ilyko Aalley 
there is an abundance, but alkaline and <|uite poor. At Coyote Springs there is very little, and at 
the Pockets none whatever. The grass throughout the valley of the Muddy is .similar to that in 
llyko Valley, 
y vv 



66 



WOOD. 



Tbe iiass tbrougli tlie Egau range shows a consiilcrablc. growth of uut-piiie and scnib-ceilar ; 
the same is true of the pass to the north of Hyko, and generally of the mountains along the whole 
route, although the amount is less as progress is made toward the south. Pine timber, suitable for 
sawing, is found upon the high peak near the mill, in the Egan Pass, and to the west of Ilyko, a 
sb'ort distance from the mines. The Mormons obtain their timber, to a certain extent, from a place 
about forty or fifty miles from the Pockets ; the road leading thereto branches off to the west at a 
point a little to the north of that place. 

CULTIVATABLE LAND. 

But very little land fit for cultivation was found before reaching Hyko, although, possibly, one 
or two hundred acres near Butterfield Spring might be so classified. Throughout nearly the whole 
extent of Hyko Valley, for about twenty-five miles below Hyko, the land can be farmed profitably, 
and as the valley is from a lialf to one and a half miles in width, there is a very fair chance for 
successful ranching. 

The valley of the Muddy can be cultivated in several places, although the upper portion is very 
alkaline. At present only a portion of it, in the vicinity of West Point, is tilled. 

Astronomical observations were taken from time to time, when possible, for latitude and 
longitude. 

Barometrical observations were taken throughout the trip. 

Should it ever be deemed necessary to establish a military post in this part of the country, the 
most eligible location would, in my opinion, be in Hyko Valley, as it possesses all the requisites for 
the establishment and maintenance of a post. 

Eespectfully submitted. 

D. W. LOCKWOOD, 

Lieutenant of Engineers. . 
Lieut. Geo. M. Wheelee, 

United States Engineer Officer, Department of California, San Francisco, CaL 



Headquaktees Depaetjlent of Calipoenia, 

San Francisco, California, January 25, 1870. 

SiE : I have the honor to make the following report of a trip from Las Vegas Eanch to Potosi, 
in the Yellow Pine District, undertaken in compliance with verbal instructions received from you 
a few days previous. 

On the morning of the 12th October, 18C9, 1 left camp at Las Vegas, taking one ambulance 
and three men, and Mr. Hamcl, topographer. The road taken was the old Salt Lake road, running 
in a southwesterly direction until reaching a point about five miles from Potosi, when the trail 
leading to the latter place branches off to the south. The first night's camp was made at the Cot- 
touwoods, a spring at the head of Las Vegas Wash. These springs rise and sink at several places, 
and receive their name from the cottonwoods growing near. The next day's march took us to Potosi. 

roTOSi. 

This camp was established some years previous to the date of our arrival, and traces of former 
habitations were visible all around ; the original settlement was said to have been broken up by 
the Indians. 

A smeltingfurnace had formerly been erected, but failed, in consequence of the operators not 
understanding the proper method of separating the precious metal (silver) from the complication of 
l)aseuietals which exist in the ore taken from the principal mine worked, namelj', the Old Potosi. 



67 

Only one small spring is foiuul hero, insutlicioat for siqiplv of ii mill. The present locators of 
claims in this district were at work on the Potosi mine, which was visited and found to be a regu- 
lar, well-defined ledge, situated high upon the western slope of the mountains. The ledge crops 
out from an almost i)erpendicnlar clilV, and shows a width of ten or twelve feet, and has been 
stripped for about live hundred feet. The ore, which consists of galena, antimony, arsenic, and 
silver, occurs in large, irregular masses, in some cases beautifully crystallized, and assays, by actual 
working, about six hundred dollars in silver to the ton. Some of the ore had. I believe, been sent 
to the lead-works in Han Francisco, and there reduced. 

Other claims had been located in the district, but none of them had been opened sntliciently 
to enable one to define their character, so far as forniRtion was concerned. The few miners engaged 
here were taking out the galena ore in quantities sutlicient to supply a furnace all the time, and, 
although their receipts in money amounted to practically nothing, they seemed confident of suc- 
cess, which, under the most favorable circumstances that may occur, must be regarded as a ques- 
tion admitting of a great deal of doubt. Supplies have to be hauled a long distance, over the 
worst kind of roads, and the want of water necessary for carrying on operations on an extensive 
scale will always be a great drawback here. 

Wood in great abundance is found on the mountain slopes in the vicinity, principally nut pine. 

Bunch grass grows near at hand. 

The next morning we started back for Las Vegas, taking the same road as before, arriving at 
the Cottonwoods in the afternoon, and receiviug infonnation that two .soldiers had deserted from 
Las Vegas. I went on that night, ami reached camp about midnight, when I discovered that Pri- 
vates Murran and Leach had deserted on the morning of the 14th, and taken with them five ani- 
mals, the best ones left at that time. Pursuit was ordered, but the worn-out condition of the horses 
and mules would not allow of our overtaking them. 

Ivespectfully submitted. 

I). W. LOCKWOOD, 

Lieutenant of Engineers. 
Lieut. George M. Wheeler, United States Em/ineers, 

Heaihiuartcrs Department of California, San Francisco, California. 



Sir: 1 have the honor to submit the following report of a trip from Quinu Cauou to Monte 
Christo Mill, via Keveille, Hot Creek, and Morey ]\Iiniug District, made by me in compliance with 
verbal instructions received from you November 12, ISGO. 

As directed, 1 left camp at Quinn Canon in tiie afternoon of the above-mentioned day, and en- 
camped that night at Red Blutf S[>rings, the uortheastern corner of Lincoln County, Nev. The 
next morning the odometer-cart, driven by Private John Smith, was .sent on to Twin Springs by 
the regular road, while Jlr. Piuhskoptf and my.self started for Itcveille, taking the trail leading 
across the valley. But one wagon had ever been over it, and that was to take a loail of ore to 
Hyko to be reduced ; the track was found to be very sandy. 

REVEILLE. 

situated on the Iveveille range of mountains, was reached (piite late in the afternoon, so that it was 
found imi)racticable to visit the mines; such information as I was able to obtain with regard to the 
district was due to the kindness of the recorder of the district. There had been at the time about 
four hundred and sixty locations made, principally contained in a space about six miles in length 
and two in w idth. The principal locations are near each other, and are all, so far as had then been 
determined, deposits. No indication of a fissure-vein or regular ledges had been discovered, and 
generally, the same showing existed here as at White Pine, some of the specimens being almost 
exactly similar to those shown at the latter place, coutaining horn-silver in very considerable 
quantities. The principal claims are the Park, assaying from .*S800 to 81,400 per ton; De.sert 



68 

m 
Queeu, $500 per ton ; Sweepstakes, Montrose, Queen of the West, and some others, raugiug in value, 
from SlOO to $300 per ton. The results given were those obtained by actual milling, the ore being 
carefully selected, as it had to be hauled a considerable distance to the mill. The mines are quite 
high up on the mountains. 

The country rock is doloinitic in its character, witht>ut stratitication. Tiio decomposition of the 
feldspar in the i)or|)hyritic mountains which surround the doloinitic range in which the mines are 
located, has caused the formation in several places of beds of alum, some of considerable extent, 
particularly the one a little north of the camp. Water is obtained iu sufficient quantity for the 
use of the camp by digging wells near at hand in the porphyry; a few miles away plenty can be 
obtaineil. Wood and grass are found a short 4listance away. 

A mill was iu process of construction on the opposite side of the valley, to the west. 

On the morning of the 13th we left for Hot Creek, about forty miles away, passing by Tvrin 
Springs, where the odometer cart was. To this point there is only a trail, and a very difficult one ; 
the main road was here taken and followed on to Hot Creek, which place Avas reached about S p. 
m. The valley lying between Reveille and Hot Creek Jlountains is a large alkali flat in places, 
and has a steady fall to the south and east from Hot Creek, and opens into the vallej- lying east 
of the Reveille range through a break in the mountains a little east of Twin Springs. 

HOT CEEEK. 

Very little of anything was being done at this district beyond rebuilding a ten stamp mill, 
which had been partially burned down. The company known as the Hot Creek or Old Dominion, 
which formerly owned the mill, failed some time ago, the ore from the mines worked, namely, the 
jS'orfolk, Old Dominion, and some others, not paying as soon as any depth was reached. At the 
time, considerable excitement, purely local, however, existed with regard to some mines recently 
discovered in Rattlesnake Cafion, about five or six miles to the south ; the principal mines located 
being the Wyomiug, Philadelphia, and Pure Metal ; some of the ore showing a great amount of 
copper. The specimens shown were not of a character to cause much enthusiasm. One great 
peculiarity of this region is the Hot Spring, from which the town takes its name, situated near the 
eastern opening of the steep canon, which runs through the mountains at this point. These springs 
flow continuously, the water containing snl^ihur and iron. In some cases, springs of cold water 
are found in close proximity to the hot ones, which appear to break out from between the limestone 
and porphyry. 

MOKEY DISTRICT. 

The next day Morey District was reached, situated quite high up in the mountains, about 
fifteen miles to the north of Hot Creek. The weather was very severe here, particularly at night ; 
water freezing, the animals suffered greatly in consequence. 

The mines were visited and carefully examined the next day, and were found to be true fissure- 
veins, with nearly a uniform dip and strike, the former being i.jo to 50'= to the east, the latter 53° 
west. 

Considerable more had been done here; shafts had been sunk to different depths, running- 
down generally on the inclines, the character of the ore remaining nearly unchanged, the amount 
iu sulphuret, however, increasing. The ore is of a soft, friable nature in most cases, composed of 
bromides, chlorides, and sulphurets, the chlorides being found principally in pockets. The base 
metals are iron pyrites, and some antimony. 

The Magnolia and Eagle are the two principal mines, and iu these the soft, friable nature of 
the ore is particularly noticeable; in those cases where much pyrites is found the ore is harder 
aud more compact. 

The mines are situated in a small hill at the foot of a high peak, and the veins can, in places, 
be traced by croppings for several hundred feet along the surface. Assays have been made ranging 
from $300 to $1,100 per ton, although the milling value of the ore does not, as a matter of course, 
run so high. Water is obtained near at hand from springs, and I think that by constructing a dam 
across the narrow canon, sufficient could be obtained to supply a mill during most of the year. 



69 

Wood and grass are Ibuiid near tlu- caiiii>. 

Chinese miners are employed licre, and are found to get along very well ; their expenses of 
living being much less than those of white miners, the wages are consequently smaller. 

On the morning of the 17th we left for Jlonte Christo Mill, taking a trail across the mountains 
to the ro.'.d running frcm Hot Croek to White Tine, and encamped at night at Sand Springs. Next 
day went on to Yoknm's, passing Duck Water, a settlement of considerable size; the creek of the 
same name has its origin in a large spring north of the road, and si)reads out over a large tract of 
land, where hay iu great ((uantities is cut each year, most of it (inding a rea<ly market at White 
Pine. From Duc'c \Vater on, tiie road, after breaking through a low range of mountains, turns 
north into the valley which you passed through on your way IVom (^uinn Canon. 
Respectfully submitted. 

J). W. LocKWOon, 
First Lieutenant, Corps of Engineers, 
Lieut. Geo. M. Wiieeleu, 

First Lieutenant Cor})s of Engineers, 

Headquarters Department of California, iSan Francisco, California. 



TABLE OF DISTAiS'CES. 



'I'.Mii.K No. 1. — UislitiivcK J'loin Toaiio, on Cenliul Pacific Ixaiboad, to I'rcscotI, Aii:., via Eijan Cai'ioii, .VHrni//"* Creek, and 

iloulh of Virgin Hirer, 



Camps and stations. 



Toano 

Egan Canon, (estimated) 

Murray's Creek, (e.stiniated) . 

Ico Creels 

ThoCavo 

Jiutteiiielii Springs 

Sink of Sierra Creek 

Simniond's Spring 

H.vko 



Camp near Fabrauagat Lake 

Cojote Springs 

Water Canon 

West Point 

Saint Thomas 

Mouth of Virgin 

Yuma Creek, (estimated) 

Peacock Springs, (estimated) . . . 
Fort Rock Springs, (estimated) . 

Camp ToUGate 

Prescott 



MilCN. 



80.00 
40.00 
IP. Ifi 
2«.60 
ao. 92 
Ifi.fi? 
31. 07 
19. 13 
26.77 
20.47 
19.09 
16. .57 
2C. 10 



3.-.. 00 
34.00 
2,1.00 
35.33 
42, 93 i 



Uiles. 



120.00 
13C, 16 
164, 96 
185. S8 
20a55 
234. 22 
2.'i3.34 
2*0.11 
300,58 
320.27 
336, 84 
302. 94 
3lift 19 
423, 19 
4,i7, 19 
480, 19 
515. 52 
5ja 45 



Itemarks. 



Station on Central Pacific Sailroad. 
Mining eam)> on overland road. 
Fine camp ; plent.v water, wood, and gra^s. 
Good camp ; plent.v water, wood, and grass. 
Fine camp ; good grazing : pure water. 
Water, good grazing; no wwid. 

Do, 
Watrr, sliort supply; little hunch-grass ; no wood. 
Mining town; good accommodation. 
Water and grjii*s: wood scjircp. 
Alkali water; little grass; no wood. 

Do. 
Gooilcamp; wood scarce; water and grass plenty. 
Mormon settlement ; gowl accommodation. 
Scant grazing; little wood ; poor place. 
Not known. 

Grazing good; water excellent ; line camp. 
Grazing ami water good; wood scarce. 
Cavalry camp; lino accommodation, 
^[iniug town of considerable size. 



Note. — In case further developments prove that the distances marked " estimated " iu the 
above table are on feasible route-s, the above line of communication will be the practicable one of 
the future for through travel from Central Pacific IJailroad to Northern Arizona. All distances, 
except those marked "estimated," were measured during the trip. 



70 

Table No. 2.— Distances from Elko, on Central Pacific Ilailroad, to Frescott, Jrh., via Jfhifc Pine, PoUroad («//<//, (Juimi 

Cafion, Indian Spring, Las Vegas, and HardgviUc. 



Camps and stationa. 



Miles. 



Elko 

Crescent Station 

"Willow Creek 

Camp V 

Camp YI 

Overland-road station 

"U^arm Springs 

Big Tent 

Monte Cbristo Mill 

Yokum's Station 

Currant Creek , 

Butterfield Rancb 

Big Creek 

Qiiinn Caiion 

Peuoyer Spring 

Shafer Springs 

Crescent Mill 

Summit Spring 

Quartz Spring 

Indian Spring 

Corn Creek 

Tule Springs 

Las Yegas , 

El Dorado Canon 

Hardj-ville, (estimated) . . 

Alexander's Camp 

First "Water, Union Pass. 

Union Spring 

Coyote Spring 

Beale Spring 

Hualapais Spring 

Katural Tanks 

Cottonwood 

Camp Willow-Grove 

Fort liock-Spring 

Anvil Kock 

Oaks and Willows 

Camp Toil-Gate 

Deserted Kanch 

Lee's Kancb 

Frescott 



Miles. 



7. S3 




16.09 


23.92 


17. IC 


41.08 


16.10 


57.18 


4.74 


61.92 


13.15 


75.07 


21.10 


96.17 


26.10 


122. 27 


17.62 


139. 89 


19.27 


159. 16 


16.43 


175. 59 


25.30 


200. 89 


19.83 


220. 72 


24.39 


245. 11 


9.06 


254.17 


7.15 


261. .32 


27.15 


288.47 


21. 32 


309. 79 


27.74 


337. 53 


20.87 


358. 40 


11.46 


369. 80 


12.20 


382.06 


44.83 


426. 89 


55.00 


481.89 


1.71 


483. CO 


1-?. 09 


495. 69 


1.46 


497. 15 


15.91 


513. 06 


1.92 


514. 98 


14.38 


529. 36 


12.82 


542. 18 


8.31 


550. 49 


3.99 


.154. 4S 


10.21 


564. 69 


16.20 


580. 89 


8.06 


588. 95 


11.05 


600. 00 


16.30 


616. 3D 


13.82 


630. 12 


11.35 


041. 47 



Keniarks. 



Station on Central Pacific Kallroad. 

Rancb ; wood, grass, and water; good accommodation. 

Do. 

Do. 
Wood, grass, and water. 
Telegrapb-station ; good accommodation. 
Rancb; no wood ; good accommodation. 
Stage-station ; no extra water ; poor accommodation. 
Quartz-mill ; grazing and water. 
Bull Creek ; no grass or wood. 
No station ; no grazing or wood. 
Hay-rainch ; no wood ; fair accommodation. 
Water one and one-lialf miles to east of road ; no wood. 
Toll-gate ; rancb, and good accommodation. 
Small station ; little grazing, good water, no wood. 
Water two miles from road ; good grazing, no wood. 
Quartz-mill ; water scarce, grass scarce, wood plenty. 

Muddy water— enougli for fifteen or twenty animals ; little buncU-grass ; no wood. 
Xo wood or grass ; water for sis or eight animals. 
Water pure, but warm ; little wood, scant grazing. 
Salt-grass, fair water, no wood. 
Good water, no wood, no grazing. 

Rancb ; good accommodation ; salt-grass ; forage can be bought ; no wood. 
Xo grass, no wood ; poor jilace. 
Small town on Colorado ; grazing and wood scarce. 
Water, little wood, no grass. 
Water, grass, no wood ; fair camp. 
Water ; no wood or grass. 
Water, wood, and grass. 
Fine water ; too limited for camping. 
One-balf mile to right ; water bad ; good grass. 
Water in rainy season ; very little wood ; poor camp. 
Cottonwood Creek ; good camping-ground. 
Military post changed to the Toll-gate. 

Road generally good ; deserted ranch : water aud grass ; no wood. 
Water and gross ; no wood ; road good. 
Water, wood, and grass; road good. 
Road rough ; fine accommodation ; cavalry post. 
Water and wood ; no grass j road good. 
Ranch ; good accommodation. 
Mining-town of considerable size. 



XoTE. — This route has been traveled to some extent in the fall and winter of 1S69 and 1870, 
principally by small parties of prospectors, going from the Yicinities ot Elko and White Pine into 
Xorthern Arizona. It presents many difficulties, such as tedious and long marches, scarcity of 
grass, water, and wood, and would not be used if there was a point higher up than Hardyville, at 
which a crossing of the Colorado connecting with a road leading through to Prescott could be 
made. Such a point cannot be found before reaching the mouth of the Yirgin, 



71 



Taulk No. 'X— Distances from KlkOj on Central Pacific JRailroadj to mouth of Virgiitj via White Pine and Pahranagat Valley. 



(.'ainiis ami statuiiis. 



Elko 

Creacent Station 

AVillow Creek 

Camp V 

Camp VI 

Overl ami -road station , 

Warm Sjjriugs 

BiKTent 

Monte Cliristo Mill 

Yoknm'8 Station 

Currant Creek 

Silver Cafion, (estimated) 

Hyko 

('amp near Pahranagat Lake. 

Coyote Sprinjjs 

Water Cafion 

West Point 

Saint Thomas 

Mouth of Virgin 



Miles. 



Miles. 



7.83 




10.03 


23.92 


17.16 


41.08 


16.10 


57.18 


4.74 


61.92 


13.15 


7.-.. 07 


21.10 


96. 17 


26.10 


12i 27 


17. 62 


139.89 


19.27 


159.10 


55.00 


214.16 


a 50 


223.66 


20.77 


250.43 


20.47 


270.90 


10.60 


290. 59 


16. .57 


307.10 


26.10 


333.20 


25.25 


358.51 



Komarks. 



Station on Central Paci&c Railroad. 

Kancli ; wood, ^asR, and water ; good accoinmodatiou. 

Do. 

Do. 
Wood, grasB, and wat<>r. 
Telegraph station ; good aeconimodation. 
Itanch ; no wood; good accommodation. 
Stage station; no extra water; poor acromni(M]iition. 
Quart/, mill; grazing and water. 
Hull CrcM-k ; no grass or wood. 
No station; no grazing; no wood. 
Mining camp ; wood plenty ; water scarce. 
Mining town in Pahranagat Valley. 
Good camp ; water and gras-s plenty. 
Water had and in small <inantity ; little grass; no wood. 
Water had; little grass; no wood. 
Mormon st'ttU-ment ; good camp. 

Do. 
Scant grazing ; wood scarce. 



IXoTE. — This is a route lately opcuetl by fixing the p:ra(les of a pass near the Grant District, 
through which the road, bearing to the southeast, comes into (lanlen VaHey, thence via Silver 
Canon to Ilvko. 



72 



LIST OF CAMPS, &c. 

(icograpMcaJ posilions from t^extavt ohserraiioiis in the field for htHtude and time ; hiigitiule hy ieUyrapluc s'lgnah : clironomefir 

differences, t^c, during ihe year 1869. 



Station. 



CampHalleck. 



"Walker's Ranch . 
Elko 



Peko 

Crescent Station . 
Willow Creek.... 



Tearl Creek 

Camp west of Cold Spring . 

Camp Kuby 

Sloiigb, Long Valley 

Antelope Spring 

Camp near Hamilton 

Murray's Creek 

Ice Creek 

Camp in Cave Valley 

Benson's Creek 

Clear Creek, Spring Valley. 

Rattlesnake Springs 

Wheeler 3 Peak 

Sacramento District 



Approximate 

longitude. 



Snake Creek 

Hawawah Springs 

Source of Lake Creek 

Monument Canon 

"Wild Hop Creek, Pioneer 

C ail on. 
Sheep Kanch, Cedar Valley . 

Homer, Cedar Valley 

Itose Valley 

Spring below Panacea 

Clover Valley 



Mormon Cafiou, Meadow Cr'k 
VTest Point 



Near Saint Thomas . 



Mouth of Rio Virgcu . . . 
Mouth of Vegas Wash . 

El Dorado Canon 

Las Vegas Kanch 

Indian Spring 

Mud Spring 

Crescent Mill 

Near Schafer Springs . . 
(Juiun Canon 



Monte Cbristo Mill . 



115 19 34.05 

115 27 56.61 
115 45 37.20 

115 30 14. 50 
115 40 14. 52 
115 40 49.92 



40 32. 27 
42 2.52 
31 6. 75 
23 14.25 
27 36. 87 
25 58. 33 
52 13. 05 
50 24.45 
48 52. 65 
37 26. 01 

23 18. 34 

24 18. 60 
19 46. 70 
22 4.35 



Latitude. 



114 S 2t?. 55 

113 29 27. 75 

114 8 45.95 
114 27 28. 80 
114 29 45. 60 

114 20 24. 50 
114 10 12. 00 
114 15 26.55 
114 25 50. 50 
114 13 50.50 



114 


27 24. 


90 


114 34 48.75 


114 


19 1. 


95 


114 


22 33. 


13 


114 40 57.99 


114 39 40.98 


115 


2 49. 50 


115 


35 33. 60 


115 36 4 


40 


115 


25 16 


40 


115 


26 41 


36 


115 


45 46 


35 


115 


34 49 


20 



40 48 34. 3S 

40 43 50. 67 
40 49 38. 44 

40 .53 46.35 
40 44 50. 73 
40 31 13.91 

40 17 10.74 
40 4 1. 86 
40 3 38. 63 
39 49 27. 28 
39 25 42. 19 
39 15 48. 87 
39 15 15.80 
39 2 28. 34 
38 39 00. 69 
38 40 41. 33 
38 50 7. 73 
38 57 21. 17 

38 58 23. 01 

39 9 46.08 

39 00 5. 18 
38 28 47. 40 
38 40 38. 43 
38 38 6. 00 
38 23 16. 80 

38 13 48. 00 
38 3 23. 40 
37 54 51. 20 
37 45 27. 07 
37 30 27. 00 

37 10 23. 00 
36 40 33. 56 



36 8 45. 54 
36 6 34. 85 

35 43 55. 36 

36 II 15.15 

36 34 1. 04 

37 11 6.88 
37 29 6. 88 
37 33 42. 88 
37 58 18. 29 

39 13 10. 83 



Altitude 

above 
aea-level. 



Feet 
5, 789. 7 

5, 145. 9 
5, 148. 4 

5, 180. 
5, 438. 3 
5, 518. 5 

5, 965. 1 

6, 273. 1 
6, 152. 6 

6, 215. 6 

7, 201. 
7, 601. 3 
6,411.2 
7, 084. 2 
6, 400. 8 
6, 064. 6 
6, 022. 5 
6, 038. 2 

13, 036. 
6, 574. 7 

5, 369. 
5, 435. 

5, 464. 
6, 114. 

6, 928. 9 

7, 072. 7 
5, 821. 
5, 401. 
4, 718. 1 
4, 902. 

3, 092. 9 
1, 754. 9 



1, 900. 



Variation 
of ueeiUc. 



828.0 
2, 074. 1 
3,402.1 
4, 900. 
G, 100. 
6, 186. 

6, 326. 

7, 596. 



16 21 24 



Xo obs'n, 
17 35 3 



17 52 23 
17 27 -7 

16 18 51 

17 12 27 
17 9 4 

16 59 5 

17 00 27 
16 43 29 
16 35 18 
16 35 6 
16 16 13 
16 24 00 
Ifi 26 44 
16 17 34 



16 27 22 

16 37 50 
16 39 S6 

15 57 42 

16 31 54 

15 59 29 

16 46 26 

17 20 47 
17 50 9 
16 58 51 

14 25 19 

No obs'n. 

15 18 29 



15 47 11 

16 1 5 
No obs'n 
15 8 11 
15 41 29 



Observer. 



Lients. Wheeler 
and Lockwood. 

Lieut. Wheeler.. 

Lieuts. "Wheeler 
and Lockwood. 

do 

Lieut. Wheeler. . 

Lients. Wheeler 
and Lockwood. 

do 



Computer. 



do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

Lieut. Wheeler.. 

Lieuts. Wheeler 

and Lockwood. 

do 

do 

do 

do 

Lieut. AVlieeler. 



do 

do 

do 

do 

Lieuts. AVheeler 
aud Lockwood. 



Lieuts. Wheeler 

and Lockwood, 

do 



Lieuts. Wheeler 
and Lockwood. 

Lieut. Wheeler.. 

Lieuts. Wheeler 
aud Lockwood. 

do." 

Lieut. Wheeler. . 

Lieuts. Wheeler 
and Lockwood. 

do 



Kemarks. 



do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

Lieut. Wheeler.. 

Lieuts. Wheeler 

aud Lockwood. 



.do . 



do 

do 

do 

Lieut. Wheeler. 



do 

do 

do 

do 

Lieuts. Wheeler 
and Lockwood. 



do 

do 

do 

, do 

do 

do 

do 

Lieut. Lockwood. 

Lients. Wheeler 

and Lockwood. 

do 



Lieut.s. Wheeler 

and Lockwood. 

do 



do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

Lieut. Lockwood. 

Lieuts. AVheeler 

aud Lockwood. 

do 



Longitude by telegraph. 

Single altitude. 
Longitude by telegraph. 

Do. 
Single altitude. 
Do. 

Do. 

Do. 
Longitude by telegraph. 
Single altitude. 

Do. 
Longitude by telegraph. 
Time by equal altitudes. 

Do. 

Do. 
Single altitude. 

Do. 
Time by equal altituilos. 

Do. 

Do. 

Single altitude. 

Time by equul altitudes. 

Do. 
Single altitude. 



Time by equal altitudop. 
Do. 



Time by equal altitudes. 
Do. 

Longitude from dead 
rcckoniug. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 
Time by equal altitades. 

Do. 

Time by equal altitudes. 

Time by equal altitudes. 

Chronometer error on San 
Francisco determined 
by telegraph. 




ENGINEEll DEPARTMENT, U. S. ARMY. 




PRELIMINARY REPORT 



A RECONNAISSANCE 



SOUTHERN AND SOUTHEASTERN NEVADA, 



JM^DE IN 1869 



FIRST LIEUT. GEO. .M. WHEELER, Coups ok Knoim-k.hs, I'. S. .\i!my, 

ASSISTED nv 

FIRST LIEUT. D. W. LOCKWOOD, Coups of Enoinkeu.s, U. S. Aumy, 

r.MiKI; 1 111. ipi:iii'.ii> ui 



Brig. Okn. K. O. C. 1ll>, 

tt\-T. HAJ. C.ES. V. a. AUIIY, 
COllMANniNO nKFARTMEXT OF OAUFOR.SIA. 




WASHINGTON: 

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 

1875. 



=/s- 




\ 



V 



'»V*!' V 






mzz-j^^mm^: 



'^^P} 






y^w^ 



mmm& 












r^.W:'4^r 



:v;v.^,^,W^i'' 



K.ffli'?rffi#^^ 



f^^0^^. 



'^y\j 



Uv';^:\ 



tViVjV^S 






I^Il^ 



m 






M>!t;^:^^;>^.v.h 



OWwU'0\ 



^h^i^^^H^^^ 









y'' v^^y' 






VUW 









VW:^^V,V. 






^' V; U,' M' tJi: 



W.V'.W 






'«v7MV! 



-yyUui 



-. ^ V, y 5' 



^^\jU^ 



/. H i I IMMM 



jv A ;W' 






k 












.■•*■ 



,^'< 



■J^^ '^^ 






"•^> ,^^' 















O 



o,'^" 



v1 - 



■i' 



%*, 



^J- V 



V 



A. ,/., 






■J .<,V 



', ^'QS*?- s" 



,1 

V 






.<«_ 
^ 



>o^^. 



*>. * » . > " .^'^ 



.>3^ "^^^ 



^^ <^' 



"^, 



■^c.,^^ : 






vX^^ ^>>. 



'^^- ,^>^"*' 

3^% 









,0 c. 



o 



■J'. 






■■J- V- 















.^^' ^>- 



^^' 
A^^' -^^ 



'h 









i^' ''^^ 



.^^ 









'^.. c^^ 



•'^. .-^^ 






>^ -^c^.. 






,4^ "•ct.. 












' >., 



.^< 



^>,. .■,^^' 



-< -^^ 






I 






I 



^i 



■», 



LIBRARY OF ' 

I III <ll\ 




017 139 229 9 f 









J .■!■'■-''•>■' ' '.-^'','■■■ 



'm 


H 


1 




"'■-^'c^ 




'.■■■■«JW 




ll£U 









f1 ■ >.'. 



,3'>k.;r: 



v.A; ,>"»•-'> v^*:'i» ■-•V- 

' * •^■'/a- *-H^/'r if., 
> >'''--' .V.J it!- 



